I don't at present see them being humiliated- in fact they seem to be well treated, which is a relief- and as the advice goes "when in Rome etc " If the women there cover their heads then seems unnecessary to make a fuss about being asked to do so on the TV.

Richard, London, UK

To my English Friends and Allies. It is time to take a stand. You fold and you lose credibility. Iran has done this twice now. They will continue until you do something. Give them an ultimatum and if they fail, throw a few cruise missiles at them. Do not negotiate with terrorists.

andy, Washington DC,

The comments about the "marines being a disgrace" and "If they can't say 'No' to their captors when told to humiliate themselves and their nation they do not deserve to wear a British uniform." are completely unfounded.
These "marines" are people and want to get home safe and be with their families. It is an international dispute and should be settled by the governement, not by the marines calling the shots in a foreign and very dangerous part of the world.
I would defy anyone to be in that position and not comply. By not conforming to local customs, eg headress, a further and much bigger issue could be sparked with far worse consequences than is currently being faced!

Elissa Bowell, Manchester, UK

I do feel bad for this braves sailors and marines of her majesty's forces.Please recieve our support from the U.S. However the use of the sailor Turney on Iranian T.V. just proves that females have no place on front line combat roles in the armed forces of any nation. Her statement obviously writen by the revolucionary guards ,would not had the same impact if is was readed by a male sailor or royal marine. Beside I really dout that a royal marine would agree on reading such a statement on T.V.

F.Bonmati, New Jersey, United States

To all of you who have posted comments saying that the United Kingdom should take military action against Iran I say this " if you feel so strongly about Iran get off your fat backsides and head down to the nearest recruiting office, sign up to serve in the British Armed Forces and then YOU can take that action against Iran".

Speaking as someone who served 25 years in the British Army I say that the best way to deal with this situation is to use diplomacy. We should persuade the Irainians to hand over our service personnel, (perhaps we could exchange them for Toady Blair and his gang), and then when they are safey out of harms way we should nuke Tehran!

Lets face it, if we dont do it now we are only saving up trouble for another day!

Badger, England,

"'and to think that I thought only clever people read this paper!

Robert Boyd , Derby, Derbyshire"
Hear! Hear! Too many people are oblivious of the expression "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me".
This is the the inherent problem with democracry, even stupid people get a right to influence - whats the result - we get other idiots like boosh and blair.

tim roberts, London , England

Of course the unvolatile border that is being talked about is the territory that the Iraqi claim (since the days of Saddam), and not accepted by the Iranians. According to the Iranian negotiating position, the sailors were in Iranian waters. Anyway, anybody with a map can see that they were closer to the Iranian mainland than to Iraq when they were captured. If the British do not affirm the Iranian position (or at the least call the waters disputed) as part of the settlement, Iran loses part of its claim to the territory which they of course are very reluctant to accept.

J. Borgstrom, Berlin,

I would like to point out that in the present situation there is no 'right' thing to do, what ever we do there will be negative repercussions.

It would seem to me that the UK is trying to avoid going to war with Iran (because the Iranians have given them a good reason to invade and they haven't) and you can see why after the disaster in Iraq.

I believe that the letter of Faye Turney was dictated to her not written by her for two reasons.
1. She says that she is "well and safe" a British person wouldn't write this, they would have written "safe and well".
2. She also wrote that "I wish we hadn’t because then I’d be home with you all right now." This is not true she would have been on a boat in the Gulf if she hadn't been arrested by the Iranians.

Also I don't think that Iran has breached the 3rd Geneva Convention because it applies only to POWs. The 1st, 2nd and 4th Geneva Conventions do not apply either, because Geneva Conventions apply to war. The UK and Iran are not at war

Verity, Cornwall, UK

Hear, hear, J Lear. You are quite right. The Marines are disgrace. The Paras would never have surrendered like that. Why also are they allowing themselves to be videoed eating, made to write letters, wear Muslim headress etc? Name, rank and number - that's all the Iranians should get. They are hardly likely to be physically tortured are they, given the international publicity? If they can't say 'No' to their captors when told to humiliate themselves and their nation they do not deserve to wear a British uniform.

Richard Fullerton, London, UK

This boarding party should never have been put in this position in the first place. Either HMS Cornwall or her Lynx helicopter should have been covering the boarding to prevent this. The Captia of the Cornwall should be dismissed.

P Browning, Chudleigh, Devon

I would hate to be in that woman's position. She's probably been kept separate from her colleagues and undergone severe psychological pressure - the worst being the fact that she doesn't know if she'll ever see her kids again.

Chin up lass & best of British. Our hopes are with you.

Mark, Woking, UK

It really is conforting to know that that we have Margaret Becket in office as Foreign Secretary in times like these

Newton, Ormskirk, Lancashire

Message to young British people.....Do not join the armed forces if you are generally frightened of putting up a fight or acting in a brave manner. The Marines are a disgrace to their nation.

J . Lear, London, UK

Mullahs of Iran have understood that no serious action is taken against what they do in different parts of the world. They do whatever they want in Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, etc. and yet they are begged to be more cooperative and kind.
English soldiers are killed in Basra , Iraq by mullahs of Iran for the past 3 years and yet British top politicians like Mr Jack Straw try their best to convince the whole world that the only way to stop them is begging them politically.
I tell you the end of the story: England will accept to do whatever mullahs want and the hostages will be released.
Even if it takes 444 days England will not take any serious actions .

Alas!

Behrooz, Tehran, Iran,

Oriana Fallaci tells of interviewing Khomeini, whose orcs insisted she wear a headscarf. She said "I refuse to wear this rag!" and tossed it off. What did Khomeini do? He was outraged.... then began to laugh. His hangers-on said that was the only time they had ever seen that happen.

Lesson learned? That bullies only respect you if you stand up to their nonsense.

Don't attack Iran. Just sabotage their one, single, solitary gasoline refinery. No one gets hurt, and Iranians get some exercise by walking for a few months.

Jim, Los Angeles, USA

I can't see the big deal with the woman sailor wearing a head scarf - its polite in that part of the world. If a woman was taken topless from a pacific island and paraded on western tv you can garantee the first thing she would be ask to wear is a top.

I think we are making a mountain out of a molehill. these people will be released in a few days and the less fuss made the sooner.

andy, cambridge, UK

On the one hand this is a diversion by the Iranians to get off the subject of nuclear weapons development and on the other hand this is a convenient excuse for regime change in Iran courtesy of the U.S.

Ron Anderson, Elko, Nevada USA

It looks as if we shall see the British navy strike soon - strike its colors, that is. Maggie please come back!

Louis, Creston, USA/NC

No harm will befall the soldiers, that is for sure.
I have to say that most people in Britain and USA do not accept a word from Iran as the truth. e.g.

Iran says: We will build a peaceful nuclear resource for the civilians, which is legal under the nuclear proliferation treaty.

USA & BRITAIN reply: We dont trust them, Isreal is just too close.

USA & BRITAIN : Saddam husain has WMD, Alqaida etc.
and we believed them on this part.

Choose who's side you are on.

Ahmed Hirsi, Burao, Somalia

This is what Iran is known for. They kept American embassy personell hostage for over a year. This is how they bargain for weapons and prestige. It worked for them before so they are at it again.

BOB, Billerica, MA

Amazing. Iran continues to believe that rules of international conduct only apply to countries other than themselves.

I sincerely hope that this small ratchet will be the first of whatever steps are necessary to accomplish the safe return of the sailors and marines that Iran abducted.

Also where is the outcry from the international community over Iran's egregious behavior:
-Violates boundries
-Commits acts of war
-Treatment in contravention to treaties that protect uniformed soldiers and sailors of which Iran is a signing party

I hope for the rapid and safe return of the detained sailors and marines

Last I checked this action is a act of war

Aaron, Minneapolis, USA

Ferguson,

WMD; the 45 minutes etc, etc.
How could anyone believe or trust this British Government?
Not trusting these lot does not mean that you trust the others.

Cardoso, London, Bahamas

That woman in veil.....just think of it...and the words she is forced to read....and why do you think she smokes heavily...come on, are we stupid or what.The time has come for the civilized world to take action ..this is an old war....it was fought in the beguinning...and you even have it showing on the screens today...wake up people....it was already too late when we had to stop Hitler..it is an old world also for us spaniards, it took us hundreds of years of trying to give these people a chance...until we had to expell them. Yes It,s the light of Greece against the darkeness of Persia once again.The light of reason against the darkness of slavery and poorness.

angel, BILBAO, SPAIN

It is time for Great Britain to finally show the world that they are not in the shadow of the U.S and resolve this situation first peacefully and if this does not work then by force.

r. Banning, guelph, ontario

Whether I trust the British government or not, I obviously would never trust the Iranian government before any other. Ask yourselves, why is Iran acting like this? Why are they being confrontational? I believe part of the reason is it was a big mistake on their part and they won't admit it? Also, you can see by the response in oil prices that this situation has a huge pay off for Iran's coffers, especially since the Iranian government has wasted oil money without benefiting it's own people.

People have to take a step back and judge these regime's a part from the conflict's they have with other governments and quit using the west as an excuse for their ignorant and immature actions. Being from Canada, I have not forgotten the Iranian/Canadian journalist and women's rights activist mysteriously dieing in Iranian custody (actually not so mysterious when you hear of her condition after death)......now who do you trust?

RM, Saskatoon, Canada

I can't believe that anyone whom is British could witness this incident without feeling a white-hot sense of indignation and outrage. I sincerely hope that this shameful spinelessness does not represent anything close to a majority of British opinion, otherwise I would reccomend that you consider surrendering your once-proud island nation to the French.

I., NYC, NY

Seixas - you took the words right out of my mouth and I'm 100% british from the UK... I don't trust our government either! But then maybe I've just been bitter since Maggie left.

Strange how the government states clearly that they were not in Iranian waters and yet now we suddenly have an unsure Leading Seaman Fay stating that they must have been in Iranian waters...

Something tells me the navigator hadn't been eating his weetabix...

justin, BKK, Thailand

Is Donovan of Charlotte, USA speaking for the U.S. Government? How, exactly, would they rescue our sailors and marines? Their past record has not been impressive. Remember the hostage rescue attempt in Iran some years ago.

Peter Baxter, Balikpapan, Indonesia

I do hope that between Britain and Iran that they can come up with a peaceful resolution on this...but imho it isn't going to happen.

Iran to me has wanted to get into a war with someone...anyone.

My sympathy lies with the sailors and their families. I hope that they will come home soon.

rose, charleston, USA

The Iranian Government achieved what he wanted: to rise spot oil prices (surging from US$ 60 to US$ 65). From now on, any further step achieving a solution to this conflict would benefit everybody.

My only fear is that the Iranian Government is not rational as he should be...

Eduardo Oliveira, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

"Why no outrage when the Iranian Diplomats were abducted by america?"

Because we all know they weren't 'Diplomats', don't we Ayman?

Viet Dinh, San Francisco,

First off, let me extend my sincere sympathy to the people of Great Britian over this latest violation of international law by the Iranian government. My prayers go out to your captured military personnel and their families.

Alas, how many more such Iranian provocations must be endured before the over-pampered Western world realizes that weakness always invites attack? Diplomacy is not the solution to your current hostage situation but rather the cause of it, because Iran's leaders unfailingly view diplomatic approaches to the resolution of international conflict as a sign of weakness. We Americans endured a 444 day Iranian hostage crisis, thanks to the utter cowardice of President Carter's diplomatic attempts. Their release was effected only after Reagan campaigned on a platform advocating a strong military response. How sad for your soldier captives that Britian is once again being led by Chamberlin's cowardice, when what they need right now is Churchill's boundless courage.

Thomas Donley, Remus, Michigan, USA

Diplomacy has failed. UK Trade with Iran suspended immediately. In 2 weeks, Iranians in British controlled Iraq should be ordered to immediately leave or risk seizure of their persons and confiscation of their property. If they leave, their property will be safe.1 week later the Iraq Iran border closed to all commercial travel. Seizure of these sailors in international or Iraqi waters is an act of war. 2 weeks after border closure, the British Blockade Iranian ports. 1 month after blockade if the matter is still not resolved, the British seize and detain all Iranian registered vessels worldwide but outside Iranian waters; all Iranians who crew the vessels should be detained humanely at a land base controlled by the UK and not released until after the British sailors are released. Non Iranians would be released. Two weeks after seizure the cargo auction the cargo. One month after seizure the boat should be re-registered in the UK and auctioned.

H. Brooks Whelan Jr, Somerville, MA USA

One hundred years ago the British would have responded brutally and quickly. What would Churchill have done? What would Thatcher have done? What is the UK doing now? A paper tiger that is a mere shadow of your former glory? Except for the woman, I can tell you that Iran will put them on trial, find them guilty, and cut off their heads. Then what will the UK do? Probably about as much as they have done up to now. Iran will up the ante!

Mark W, Vancouver, Canada

So the sitution is "completely unacceptable" and I am going huff and puff and blow your house down. Sorry Tony but this unacceptable situation is where you as PM must learn to make tough decisions, time you earnt your pay. When is the World going to realise enough is enough. I doubt if there is a nation in the World, including all those of the Middle East who would complain if you clipped Iran's wings.

Michael, Sydney,

The Iranians deny consular access.

The Iranians parade our troops on TV.

The Iranians call for the obliteration of Israel.

The Iranians attempt to develop nuclear technology.

The Iranians arm Islamic terror cells round the world.

What are we waiting for?

Fraser, Edinburgh,

No time for messing around. No time for talking. These Iranians need to be shown that sabre rattling is one thing. Kidnap of British personell is something completely diferent. It may be part and parcel of their culture when they want to make a point but its not part of ours. This is definatelly not the time to stand around with our hands in our pockets like the Americans do. The British should send in the SAS/SBS to get our people back.. and for heavens sake without the americans involved on the ground or alot of people will die. A short, sharp, white-hot surgical exctration is need that will leave egg all over Iranian faces. They cannot be aloud to get away with this. Someone needs to give Iran a punch on the nose so it may as well be us Britain. Military action is called for here. No more messing about! (i was in gulf war 1 BTW)

John Shonfield, Reading, Berkshire

I find it revolting that a woman sailor shall be freed and not the rest, id she was a true sailor ans shipmate she should refuse release until all are released. Liberals scream , shout and demand equality in all services fopr women, but when a woman is treated like a sailor and taken hostage they want to have her treated differantly than the rest of crew. This is pure hogwash!!!! Wear the uniform , cash the checks and act like a sailor when your duty says so, that includes capture at sea. I was just in Baghdad at Camp Slayer on work assignmenrt and am a 6 yr Naval veteran, this is one reason of many why women should not be in a hostile fire zone, when the heat is off they claim equality and respect. When the heat is on they do not hesitate to wave knickers in the air and say " How dare you do this to a woman!" If you wear the uniform expect anything thats dished and quit whining about a woman hostage, she is just a hostage and genitalia should not be considered

Craig, Union City , Ca.

Tempers are obviously running high at the moment. I personally nearly had a stroke when I saw the sailor, Ms. Tunney, had been forced to dress in Iranian garb and give an obviously coerced statement. After being enraged at the Iranians for doing this and upset at Ms. Tunney for cooperating, I finally calmed down. She probably wasn't trained to resist (passively if need be) in the way pilots flying over enemy territory are. The rules of engagement covering these military personnel obviously weren't sufficient to keep them from being kidnapped and probably didn't cover how to handle being a hostage. Plus the Iranians have had 5+ days to soften up any resistance and decades of hostage-taking practice in how to do it. These hostages are being held without British Consular access or even Red Cross access. Nothing that they say or do in captivity takes away from the fact that the U.K. has valiant people serving in this conflict. Iran's government is the problem here.

Jill, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Why not put something more substantial than just a couple of boats in the exact location where the Iranians captured the Brits (assuming the water is deep enough for a large vessel)?

If the spot is in fact in Iraqi waters the Iranians will think hard and long before taking on something bigger and the world will know that they have committed an illegal act.

If on the other hand, the spot is in Iranian waters...then it's a fair cop!

Stephen Baddeley, Sydney, Australia

the world origanizations are telling the u.s. not to get involved in another war.well guess what...we already are in another war...with iran...with what is iran is doing in iraq and else where. thus we might just as well go into iran and do it right instead of letting iran fight there kind of war in iraq

RON, ZEPHYRHILLS,

Nanny State can't even look after its own. One of our mums, humiliated, so traumatised that she smokes a ciggie, whilst being forced to spout propaganda.
Great! 7th July is it? When we are not allowed to smoke in public. Soon singing in pubs is to be banned without government permission.
Get out of poking your nose into the rest of our world. Civilization begins at home.
We are all to blame. Blair is not a dictator.
And we are still a Monarchy.
For the time being I think we should rid ourselves of a so called elected 'government' and put a sovereign back in charge.

Lois Crofton, Ashby, Leicestershire

Dear Sirs
As an iranian i shame myself about islamic government of iran and their aggressive behaivior in the world relations.
this is not strange that this regime has alwas been tried with
anarchy in international relations to hide his terrible face
showing that they are right and the west world are against them.with this idea in mind regime is trying to follow two aims. First to suppress of oppsition in iran and arresting and killing of opponents,and second to show that they have right getting atomic power and enrich uranium.so i think the international community must react very severely against them.i hope that your people would stay uninjured
and would be freed.
Best Regards

Abbas.Mahmoodipanah, Hagen, Germany.Westfallen

Since the Americans cannot start another war, they have requested Britain to do so.....

Hey I take offense to that statement. I know that the US government sucks right now but don't put ALL AMERICANS under that statement!

But just like Britain being our allies and helping us out I am sure that our government if need be will do the same.

I feel so sorry for what has happened to the sailors. Being an American I will be behind our government on THIS one.
Iran has for awhile seems to want to start up a conflict with anybody who will take them on. I am afraid that the only thing that may come of anything with Iran is war. I am crossing my fingers that that will not happen.

rose, charleston, USA

Paul Hulatt is correct. Why on earth our people were in small boats without heavy naval cover just 1.7 nautica miles from a nebulous border AND with previous experience of British personnel being captured in a similar manner a few years ago just beggars belief. Naval Intelligence? Ho ho ho

Erryl Tudor, London, United Kingdom

Credit must be given what appears to have been a well calculated, clever gamble by the Iranians. I have no doubt that the Iranians had been studying the tactics and patterns of the royal navy on these interdictions and took advantage of predictable routines and complacency on the brits. They were just waiting for the right time to swoop in, make the grab, and dash back across into Iranian territorial waters. No excuse for leaving a small unit exposed to such danger without air cover or protection from the larger surface warships. Another example of David defeating Goliath choosing military, political and media weapons superbly to fight asymetric warfare.

Warren, Austin, Texas

Why are so many of my countrymen and women here--and why are they doing so much posturing? Isn't the decision of what to do about this up to the Britons?

D. Kane, Savannah, GA

UK: go get your troops for the love of God. If you don't, we will!

Donovan, Charlotte, USA

So, you believe the Iranians then?

Jesse G, Cincinnati,

Of course, had any of the Western governments and their associated over-valued oil companies got their fingers out thirty years ago, when the Arabs ramped up the oil prices, we would now have alternatively powered vehicles, thereby leaving the middle-east to it's own devices. As a consequence, hundreds of thousands of people would not have been killed and we would have no reason to "help" the people of middle-eastern countries, who basically regard us an interfering infidels.

E J Murray, Ireland,

I don't know exactly "why" but I do not believe and do not trust this Iranian Government.

Lance, Madrid, Spain

I trust Britain much more than I can trust Iran.

Daniel P. Stock, Tucumán, Argentina

Seixas ... it took you months to figure out what happend to Ana-Nicole Smith ... and you think your government would be better fit to figure out this situation ... hmmm ... don't think so. As a former German Navy sailor I hope that the 15 Royal Navy sailors make it home safe and soon, of whihc I am sure as I trust the british government and European Leaders. The US might want to stay out of it as relations b/w US and Iran are a tad sour ...

Chris L., Sacramento, USA

S. Seixas, it would be interesting to know on what point of this rather unpleasant episode you mistrust the British government. As far as I can see it is acting (for once) wholly properly in condemning the actions of the Iranians, and taking, so far, appropriate steps towards the safe return of the detained British sailors.

Ben Griffiths, South Croydon, UK

Some American commenters apparently believe it is logical to say that if one doesn't believe the British government - and, oh, how many sound reasons there are to doubt Blair's veracity -then you must believe extremists in Iran.

Is 'with me or against me' the result of some weird genetic disorder in America?

No wonder the world has so much trouble.

John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada

Yes radical Islam, to trust or not to trust. In every political circle there are liars. Speak of a goverment where under the naked eye you won't find coruption equal and blind justice. Maybe Soloman in all his wisdom could have put straight some of this chaos. When will we as a society wake up and realize that in the hearts of men there is a lust for power and in all his self strength he will inevitably fail some of the time to rule over it. But there is hope diplomacy can work and men can live in peace until the next struggle.

cas, Middle, America

I bet the "Evidence " they were in Iraqui waters will be as laughable as the evidence of the Americans when they showed "The world"the places where Saddam was hidding the weapons of mass destruction. Why should Blair , Bush best friend and war criminal number second- be more believable than the eccentric Iranian president who so far hasnt attacked anyone or invaded any country in the world. I'm sooooooo convinced these guys were in their waters, and if this lady is saying so, what else you need?

Roberta Chavez, Lisbon, Portugal

She didn't confess. She just said "Obviously we trespassed into their waters." As in "we didn't know, and Iran told us we were, which is why they took us." She only has the Iranian info.

Starling, Lancaster,

Is this the beginning of the World War III?? Is it now?? Should I lie and say I live in Washington, DC?? What's wrong with you people?
Peace!

King, Birmingham, Alabama

I think the Iranians should be ashamed of themselves. Their actions seems to be in desperation and totally out of control. This is an outcry for attention! hope they do the right thing and free the sailors.

eve, London,

This disgusting degrading way the Iranians forced this woman to wear a headscarf shows that this is an immoral country of fascists. They always want us to have a 'dialouge' with them and 'understand their culture' but this is how they treat others, this is their view of the world. And unsuprisingly the British comply by begging them.

Seth Frantzman, Jerusalem, Israel

Why did they surrender in the first place?? in international waters?

FormerUSN, Annandale,

The British Government is out of their minds if they don't let the Royal Navy continue with their planned purchase of replacement aircraft carriers. This event and no doubt many more to follow just shows how vulnerable Britain will become if they rely on "Fortress Europe" in the future.

Graham Beasley, Broomfield, Colorado USA

This in reponse of Mr. Seixas of Nassau, Bahamas! If you can't trust "this" British Goverment then are you saying you trust the band of terrorist that run Iran!

Todd, Derby, USA , Ks.

iran is mad cause they can t get there way .So they resorte to kidnaping just like they did in 79 .It s a cowards way out and they no it. there just trying to cause problems as usual .

Ron, mattoon, ill. USA

Dear Sir,
I must agree with your veterans. This is a shameful day
for the British Navy. These sailors are counting on their commanders to protect them, as are their parents. How can
a heavily armored ship with air support be abused in such a manner? This captain should be court-martialed and sent
to prison or shot! Show some guts for Gods' sake!

Todd Hunt, Alexandria, VA.,U.S.A.

I don't know exactly 'why', but i do not trust this S.Seixas

Ben Colclough, london,

Ya'll need to send in the SAS. Blair should let "Diplomacy" run its course for a week or two......then extract your people. Show the world the GREAT in Great Britain.

ADWarren, Lexington, KY, USA

The sailors were clearly taken hostage to show that Iran can show of some force. I am glad that the sailors did not decide to draw their weapons as that would have lead to much worth mess. They were taken in Iraqi waters and need to freed quickly. I used to be a sailor in the German Navy and my heart goes out to them and the families. I am sure we get them back soon and safe.

Chris L., Sacramento, USA

The Iranian government is really stupid. Is this their way trying to curry the world's favor to enrich their own uranium? They had a chance quietly bury this incident. Now they show the picture of the female soldier with the headscarf, and video her "confession". Can we say "torture"?

John, Gilroy, CA

Praise be to Allah the Brits are captured by a country were not even at war with yet. Perhaps the daily ration of rum on board HMS Cornwall was a bit excessive. How did you guys win that Falkland Islands ordeal, or did you? Step out of the way and let a real Navy handle the gulf will ya. Oh and by the way keep the women at home instead of downtown Tehran. Loose lips sink ships or so they say.

T.J., DISCOVERY BAY, Ca.

yea but think of it from Irans view that the UK and US are together and US is waiting for a reason to attack Iran so they are just being cautious and they are even releasing the woman who can tell the same truth as she did in the letter and the video because if this was an act of aggression from Iran why would they let the woman go you people (white) just need an excuse to murder and im not racist in the slightest because iv got more freinds that are white than those of my own race so you people just need to stop thinking you better thatn everyone else and this is just to that small minority of you NOT all because alot of you are wikid but some aren't

Taz, rotherham, UK

Get our boys (and girl) out and home. More than enough blood has been spilt in this whole ugly and illegal affair. I don't trust any government, and the way our soldiers get treated is appalling. Poorly equipped, often inadequately trained, laying their lives on the line for peanuts while their familes live in sub-standard accommodation. Its a disgrace.

Jon , Ipswich, England

Why is everyone surprised? The UK has filled their ranks with cowards when it comes to standing up for themselves. Iran could walk across their borders and they would not even put up a fight. Worthless, spineless people and they deserve to be put under shari'a law which is right where they are headed.

Bryan, anywhere, USA

That woman’s behavior in wearing a scarf & saying what she did is disgraceful.

George Davis, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.

Interesting in-depth analysis, Seixas - of course, the Iranian Government and Ahmednijad are well known for their openness and honesty...

I have many objections with this government too, but the facts have been independently corroborated by the ships the patrol was inspecting. A more mature attitude, please.

fergus, london, uk

hey,"iran" is just kidding,let them go to hell,their just provoking britain.

napoleon jnr, KAMPALA, uganda

In this case it constitutes an armed invasion by Iran. We should reciprocate with the SAS.

Ben, York,

'and to think that I thought only clever people read this paper!

Robert Boyd , Derby, Derbyshire

You do not believe or trust them becuausa like many of the weak citizens in my country (USA) and in Great Britain , you choose to not want to believe the problem that is Iran and Muslim extremism in general. You think you can ignore problems and they will go away,unfortunately, time will show you how terribly wrong you are/were.

Bill, Boston, USA

I believe that this Iranian abduction of British servicemen is pure tactic, in order to provoke the world once again.
This issue is also embarrassing the world community which will for sure be condemned to behave as passive as can be.

Too many protective forces are backing the Iranian regime just in the sake of economy.
In my opinion the Iranians have gone too far this time, and appropriate reactions are inevitable and to be anticipated.

Stefan, Neuss, Germany

M. Vindel: how does Iran kidnapping Britons equate to us requesting them to start a war on our behalf? If you must have an opinion, try using a little logic. For your own sake, you should be thankful that we are out there fighting a war no one else wants to. Are we handling the situation effectively? there are many things that need to be improved. But for anyone to consider us warmongers for simply wanting to defend our own country, citizens, and our way of life...now that's a true crime.

American, City of Broad Shoulders, America

Given the contentious and disputed nature of the boundary, the events in the Shatt-al-Arab of 2004 and the current posturing of the Iranian government I can't help but think that the Navys policy of policing so close to the zone was provocative, naive and poorly considered unless this was a situation they wanted to provoke. The international legality of the boundary is contested and therefore not clearly defined as the Navy have stated and the Iranians have now demonstrated. More scrambled egg on uniforms. My sympathies to those in the frontline in Tehran now-and their families.

paul hulatt, Bangkok, Thailand

Did you learn logic at school? The fact Mr Seixas doesn't believe the british government doesn't imply he trust the iranian government. Do you really trust a government that lied so blatantly so recently?

In fact, the case is: in witch government do you trust LESS?

Josu, Bask Country, Spain

Martin Ascari, I would never understand why your country invaded Lebanon under the excuse of 5 soldiers, surely the Israeli army could go looking for them rather than invading, destroying and killing thousands of innocent civilians, many children amongst them. No i don't empathise with Israel actions and the support they got from the British goverment and of course, the USA

Julio Chavez, Lisbon, Portugal

Why no outrage when the Iranian Diplomats were abducted by america?

Ayman, aaaaaa,

Quite obviously Iran is just stoking the fire. The best thing to have done was just to back off and let the issue quietly resolve itself, thereby denying Iran the response it wanted. The U.S. Initiating war games, as well as the UK's chest thumping, is simply playing into the Iranian's hands. They said they could/would do something illegal in response to the UN sanctions, which they declared illegal, and so they have. They've made their point, however deviant it is. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if its not something in their water.

Warren Taylor, Torrance, CA,USA

The order to capture came from the top Ayatollahs themselves which proves once again that this fascist regime must be dealt with swiftly, decisively, and most importantly of all with aid and backing of the world community and friends and allies. We must make certain strides in reaffirming the cohesion of the diplomatic processes with regard to our allies so that we may spearhead this problem head on right now.

TSerra, detroit, mi

Why would we ever believe a word the Iranians say? How many times do they have to demonstrate to us that they are completely incapable of telling the truth?

Malcolm, Bragg Creek, Canada

S. Seixas,

Be real. There are also merchant ships than verified the Royal Navy's account.

The Iranians have engaged in an act of war. This is the second time.

I hope the UK doesn't follow Jimmy Carter's way of negotiating from weakness. This is how we got into the mess with Iran.

James Troscinski, Grosse Pointe Park, USA

Jon, Would you trust a US government which obviously lied when Colin Powell gave his much vaunted presentation in the UN.

Suresh Kamath, Edison, NJ, USA

The thing that bothers me is why is she wearing Islamic head scarves? Isn't that against Geneva conventions...

Why didn't she refuse to wear the thing...

Have you people become this spineless!!!!

kiarie kinyanjui, Ulm, Germany

This is an act of war. If there is anyone to question it is the motives of Iran. They have refused to stop production of high grade platonium used only for weapons not energy. They have supported and continue to support car bombers and terrorists in Iraq with explosives traced back to Iran. They have ignored the U.N. and the IAEA overtheir nuclear ambitions.
Face it, the whole international community is against them. Freezing assets and such will show Iran that there are consequences for their actions.

Lance, Bluffton, SC

I can understand why some would distrust the American Government. There has seemed to be a breakdown in honesty on several issues, but the British Government appears to me to be completely trust worthy and I can only hope that America will one day come under leadership as strong and honorable as Mr. Blair.

Brian, Valdosta/GA,

So Iran thinks the media is stronger than the sword does it? It knows our Nuclear Bombs are mightier than anything they can brandish at us, so they provoke us with propagander. Their actions are foolish. You shouldn't provoke the biggest kid in the playground and not expect to get your head kicked in! Iran will destroy it'self.

DannyJ, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

Send in the boys!!

Rob W, Midlands, UK,

Of course we all hope for the safe return of the soldiers, but I'm glad to see Iran finally knocking the ball on an international stage...they are currently showing their "true colors." Those of a hoodlum nation with absolutely no desire to participate in todays global marketplace. Too bad...for them.

Charlie, Washington DC,

Can you add a link to a copy of the map?

Gareth Webber, Sacramento, CA, USA

I'd trust gps co-ords over Iran's ranting. I'm waiting for counterproof from Iran.

John, bath,

Mr Blair added by the time the crew of HMS Cornwall realised that the 15 had been detained and a Lynx helicopter dispatched to find them, they were already in Iranian waters - making intervention that much more dangerous
*****************************
Dear God the inspection team wasn't even being monitored!?!? The captain of the Cornwall seems to come across as more and more of a buffoon with each new news story. Am i being unreasonable in thinking this?

K, sunderland, uk

Well, thank God we don't need to rely on the Bahamas in order to get the safe return of these innocent British sailors.

Brie, Los Angeles, California

Well done UK. Iran is behind very much of the terrorism in that region and elsewhere.
An author by the name of Kenneth Timmerman has done extensive research into terrorism and definitely bears reading. He has several books in print on this subject.
Iran/Persia is definitely provacating the West and has been since 1979. I certainly hope my country, US, soon does something severe to get rid of this world menace.
God Bless the UK, the US, the FREE World everywhere and the state of Israel.

Allan White, Chicago, USA / Illinois

That makes a LOT of sense! Nothing like an opinion based on facts!

G-Man, San Diego, USA

I don't know exactly "why" but I do not believe and do not trust this Iranian Government.

N Purvis, Belfast, Northern Ireland

I assume Britain will send the most fearsome lawyer to Iran. If that does not scare them ,nothing will.

Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA Texas

Iranians now know what felt Mr Blair when he was forced to admit that Iraq had no WMD...
All the best for those captured.

Michal, London,

Seixas maybe the voices in your head order not to trust the goverment,. Beware of reality, Seixas! Do not let it to interfere with your own near-and-near Weltanschauung.

John Tanner MIRC, Halifax, USA Virginia

The British public should now be able to empathise with Israel over the Lebanon War last year. Israel was attacked unprovoked and invaded, its soldiers killed and captured. To date 7 months later no release. Look at the reponse after 5 days?

Martin Ascari, London,

I hope this situation is sorted quickly, and we move to strengthen ties with Iran and not weaken once it is over. Its clear than Iran was in the wrong here, but mistakes can be made.

This should be put aside as one of those all too common military mistakes, which Britain is also guilty of from time to time.

If we are to prevent this in future, more dialogue and co-operation between UK and Iran and a bit more understanding of each others issues needs to be met.

Escalating this into anything more would be a mistake and would help no one.

Tim, London, UK

S. Seixas writes: "I don't know exactly "why" but I do not believe and do not trust this British Government."

Which means you believe the fanatical mullahs of the Iranian government instead. Yeah...that makes sense...

Michael, Wilmington, US

'I don't know exactly "why" but I do not believe and do not trust this British Government' S. Seixas, Nassau, Bahamas

I dont know exactly "why" but for some reason you would rather believe and trust the government in Tehran.

TC, California, USA

Since the Americans cannot start another war, they have requested Britain to do so.....

M. Vindel, Amsterdam, Holland

And in what way does this constitute "hitting back" ?

Ben Moss, London, England

i'd rather believe the Navy, though, than Iran

Alison, Cowlyn Bay, Wales

S.Seixas, would you trust a Government (Iran's) whose leader disputes the very fact that the holocaust ever happened? I know that the British Gvt has faulted much in the past but I do believe that by comparason they can be trusted more than many other country's Governments.

Jon, Syracuse, USA

Sometimes the evidence speaks for itself...They could have just asked them to leave the waters why detain them...If you ask me they were trying to gain information ....but bit off more than they could chew....They have no support for theur actions and they were clearly wrong Iran should compensate definately...what are they trying to prove anyway...they need to be thinking about being more hospitable and diplomatic rather than hostile....Barbaric thinking detaining those chaps.

Lorenzo, LosAngeles, California

AHH we should of put up a fight, they should of fought back!! Died Heroes!!!

Adam Webb, Milton keynes, UK

If You Trust Iran, you Also Cannot be trusted!!!!!
WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!

America, boom town, usa

Tut, tut....are you already cowering Revolutionary Guard, being so isolated from the civilized world. Are you quaking in your boots, you zealots of Shia Islam. Smite the enamy with isolation, Mr. Blair, just like Pres. Carter did two decades ago.

Stan, Tucson,

Seixas... hahaha.. and you trust yours i suppose?

John Shonfield, Reading, Berkshire

I don't know exactly "why" but I do not believe and do not trust this British Government.

S. Seixas, Nassau, Bahamas

What does Iran hope to achieve by its actions? It is obvious to anyone with an ounce of sence that the sailors were in Iraqi waters. Is Iran trying to provoke the West into war?

Simon Evans, Bristol, UK