What began as a maritime show-down in the Gulf and raised fears of a new war in the region ended yesterday with bizarre scenes of political and sartorial theatre.

On the thirteenth day of the crisis, President Ahmadinejad kept a global audience in suspense for nearly two hours with a rambling monologue about religion and Britain’s history of meddling in his country’s affairs. Then without explanation he announced that his 15 British captives would be set free as a “gift” to mark the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, Easter and for good measure the Jewish festival of Passover.

The sudden climbdown took everyone by surprise. For the first time since the firebrand Iranian leader came to power 20 months ago he was being conciliatory to the West. The calculation being made in capitals around the world last night was that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader, had decided that Iran stood to lose more than it would gain by holding the eight sailors and seven Marines. With the flourish of a seasoned politician, Mr Ahmadinejad turned what could have been a humiliating climbdown into a publicity coup.

“Their release is a gift to the British people,” he said, before going to meet his former prisoners for a friendly send-off.

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The only possible explanation is that the release was ordered by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme leader

Richard Beeston

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Nearly two weeks ago they had been paraded on television, made to “confess” their crimes and faced being tried for illegally entering Iranian waters.

When they were presented this time, the 15 looked like a visiting football squad, decked out in two-piece suits and being presented to local dignitaries after a friendly game.

“How are you?” the President asked one serviceman, who towered over the Iranian head of state by a good foot.

“Did you enjoy your mandatory holiday?”

“We are grateful for your forgiveness,” came the reply.

Mr Ahmadinejad smiled: “You are welcome.”

However bizarre the scenes, the sense of relief was palpable in Whitehall, where there had been hints only of a softening of the Iranian position.

In brief comments outside Downing Street, Tony Blair said: “Throughout we have taken a measured approach, firm but calm, not negotiating but not confronting either.

“To the Iranian people I would simply say this: we bear you no ill-will. On the contrary, we respect Iran as an ancient civilisation with a proud and dignified history. And the disagreements we have with your Government we wish to resolve peacefully, through dialogue.”

The Britons are expected to be handed over to British embassy staff this morning, to return home later in the day. They will then, for the first time, be free to reveal what really happened to them.

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