Bryan Whitman, a Pentagon spokesman.
"At least some were visibly armed. Small Iranian fastboats made some aggressive manoeuvres against our vessels and indicated some hostile intent," he said.

This is the same "spokesman" that proclaimed Jessica Lynch (the US soldier fighting to the death) was shot, raped, bayoneted, etc.... all proved false, lies.

hoover leary, surf city, North Carolina

Robert Mendez, Berkeley, CA
said, "Oddly, this story does not appear on either today's NY Times..." It was. You must have missed it. It was the first place I read about it.

The incident took between 15-20 minutes. The Navy's response was way too long. They could have been dead.

Ryan, Irvine, USA

To those of you who say, "Well, if they had warships off our coastline, what would we do?':
It's apparent you are woefully ignorant of the deployments of modern navies. Both Russia and China routinely come within miles of our territorial waters with their submarines armed with nuclear missiles. We shadow them; they shadow us. It's a cat and mouse game, or did you just think Hunt for Red October was whole cloth fiction?
Do we radio them and state flatly that we are going to attack them? No, because they would be sure to get off the first shot, and they would be in their rights to do so. As we would have been within our rights if we had done so to the Iranians.

Warren, Kennesaw, GA/USA

To Marc Miller, Jackson, US, my name is actually female, but that's neither here nor there. My residetial status in England is most definitely not thanks to the US invading anywhere; that narrow-minded ignorant view simply confirms what I said in my earlier comment.

I am certainly not in England through want of a better life. The following does not apply to me, but many are driven to other countries because the US has destroyed theirs. Nonetheless US citizens are not the only citizens in the world who have a right to migrate to other countries for simple family/ work preferences.

My earlier comment makes no reference to either of the World Wars, but as you raised it both those wars were WORLD wars, in that most of the world was involved, not one superpower! The British army, had a large number of Indian troops as at that time India was a British colony, which is why I am living in Britain not because of any war!

I think it best that we stick to the topic of Iran if you can!

Sushma Patel, London,

Oddly, this story does not appear on either today's NY Times or Washington Post. I guess that is a testament to the fact that most US citizens no longer believe anything this administration - particularly the Pentagon - says about Iran, or pretty much anything else.

Robert Mendez, Berkeley, CA, US

The Iranian Rebel boats have done this several times. They did this in the early 90's with the USS Lasalle and got there butts handed to them via a 50 cal full bore team. If they keep provoking as they did before, we SHOULD send them to meet ALAH.........Like before.

just my 2 cents.

Ordie4life, Pittsburgh, PA

Robert from Tacoma, check out "Gulf of Tonkin Resolution" on Wikipedia. The parallel between 1964 and now should be obvious. The Tonkin incident started US involvement in Vietnam. It also boosted Johnson's election campaign.

The Vietnam war too began as "games of chicken" between the US military and the big bad enemy "du jour" - insert or delete enemies as necessary.

Julia Iskandar, London, England

Another "Tonkin incident"? The Gulf of Tonkin is in the middle of nowhere. 25 percent of the world's oil (not America's...) goes through the Straits of Hormuz. As for this being staged for the "upcoming US election" you give US readers and viewers far too much credit. The election is ten months away. Most of them have forgotten that just last year the Iranians captured British sailors in international waters.

Robert, Tacoma, WA

I'm wondering how likely is it that the Iranians would say something like, "I’m coming at you and you will blow up in a couple of minutes?" I've never once detected any hyperbole coming out of Tehran before, so this does sound unlikely, right?

I'm sure the Iranians weren't humming "in the Navy" a la Village People since, in the words of their president, "we have no such people." Since "don't ask don't tell" hasn't quite reached the Iranian flotilla maybe we could ask.

Mot Nolnoc, Stockholm, Sweden

Yeah, right. Another "Tonkin incident". Trust the US to engineer one, just in time for the election. WMD and mushroom clouds, anyone? "Fool me once..."

Julia Iskandar, London, England

well I think one should really take it in the spirit of the game. If the USN was in international waters, so were Iranians. They had all the right to make whatever maneouvers they want to unless it showed a real hostile intent. Short of this, it only amounts to their guts, if US has chickened out, so it should accept and not cry the gun in the world.

Moazzam, Tehran, Iran

Jon,Boston,Ma
Please Keep Your Imflammable Statements To Yourself
Better Still Tell Your Senator, To Tell Bush,Otherwise For Goodness Sake Shut Up.
The Muslim People Here In The Uk Are Great,nice People.

ukuspatriot, Surbiton, Uk

Adrian in London has hit the nail on the head!

Mick, Solihull,

It is going to come sooner or later. A boil has to lanced at some point. This boil should be lanced now before it gets to large and threatens the whole body.

Milinneiman, Vancouver,

I wonder how Americans would feel if Iranian or Chinese ships were just as far off the coast of America, as American ships are off the coast of Iran.

For sure we do not need confrontation by anyone, but lets put this into perspective.

Farrukh, Woking, UK

To the Ron Paul guy---how do u get to work, things you eat, buy, the condo or house you are in---ARE ALL MADE WITH PETROLEUM PRODUCTS!!

If you want to live in a cave with wood for heat--then you live that way. I choose to live in the modern world with oil. In time oil will become less important and will change, but we can't just leave the Middle East---I bet you just want to ride a camel around lookin for water...

Give me a break

John, Salisbury, MD

"What are you americans going to do when China and India start to buy up most of the oil."

A much better question is what are you EU folks going to do. We import only a small fraction of our oil from the M.E. - most of our imported oil comes from Canada and Mexico. You guys will be doing a lot of walking if M.E. oil isn't available.

Richard, Los Angeles,

Actually, the Iranians have been showing off their strategy of using swarms of speedboats to try and overwhelm USA fleet defenses in publicized maneuvers last year.

If it were not for US power, the 18 mile wide straight would have been closed by now, and the arab from scotland would be freezing in his subsidized government apartment.

Also be advised, if Hormuz gets too dangerous the tankers loose their insurance allowing them to just be there to bring oil to the world.

Bruce, Delta, Colorado

If positions were reversed between the US and another country, Russia for example, I don't think there would have been hesitation. Action would have been taken when such behavior was present. I think the US is bending over backwards to not instigate a conflict. However with our citizens at risk in an unfriendly and unappreciative area of the world, maybe we should.

Rich, Simsbury, CT

FRD, Belle Mead, New Jersey

You're absolutely wrong. The writings of our forefathers show without a doubt that this country is a nation based on Christian values, which follow the the conservative mind-set.

Unless, of course, you're trying to say that the Boston Tea Party was a socialist revolt! And, please don't blame today's tax system on the conservatives.... We all know better!

Regards!

Rob, Orlando, FL.

Dr. Mike's remarks are very sad.
Since people seem to like sarcasm on these posts: The Democrats will cure every ill of the world. They are perfect. I am glad
Dr. Mike is well read about Middle East issues and jihad.
David

David Hall, Newark, CA

Hey just one thing about that oil... Don't folks think it's worth protecting with some troops against maniacs?
When it is not around things (like the economy) would tend to stop working. It's great to get on that snarky self righteous bandwagon of ...oh, they're just there for the OIL !
Well, how bout it? What if no one did anything about supply disruptions from terrorists, insurgents, or ..."freedom fighters".
Then what? Are you well enough versed on electric car technology? Do you have enough wood lying around for the winter?
Just look at the nonsense going on in the Niger Delta region... Who's going to fix that?
vsk

vsk, Brooklyn, NY / USA

It's all about the oil, it's all about the oil ..... yah du, yah du, yah du.

Those of you that think it is about the oil .... do you drive a car, do you heat your house, do you buy goods transported using THE OIL?

My guess is that those suffering with from ..... It's All About the Oil Syndrome (ALOS) ..... also are opposed to nuclear, clean burning coal, and wind (if it is in your back yard).

Until we make some tough choices regarding alternative energy, get used taking treatment for your ALOS.

azphil, Phoenix,

More right wing propaganda. Bush & Cheney got burned on the NIE so now they're onto Plan D. "Ooohhh... let's be afraid of a few speedboats! We've only got the entire sixth fleet in the gulf!" When's the last time Iran launched a suicide attack? Of course Mark is from Georgia.... All they see are right and left, leaving the rest of us with some common sense in the middle giving them the finger.

Rex, Reems, CA

This is just Ahmadinejad trying to grab some headlines at the moment Bush is heading to the region to try to persuade the world to deal more strongly with Iran. He's just trying to grab the initiative and make headlines so his foe doesn't get all the news cycles. Ironically, it's a move right out of the Clinton Dynasty's Campaign Playbook!

Mike Griffith, Oxford, England

What we are doing there is making sure the oil we and our allies buy, plus goods we sell, gets through a free and open waters. There is no 'over there' anymore. That ended in 1492. Go visit some other places in the world and get a broader view of life.

Haver, Austin, Texas

Hello UK. If Ron Paul were our President, we would not be there anyway- therefore...no crisis.

Believe me. Many of us are sick of being the world's police and we are working hard to stop this nonsense.

Scott, Texas, Houston, Texas

Out of curiosity, what language should we assume was spoken over the radio? If it was English, than that would be strange for Iranian military personnel to speak, while if it were Farsi, how would the U.S. translate it so quickly? I'm not suggesting anything, I'm just asking for clarification.

Bob, New York City,

I suppose if the Iranians had carried out their threats on the Navy, you twisted Europeans would find a way to blame that on America as well. Lets get off of the "I hate America" bandwagon and get back to common sense.

Jeff, Sacramento / CA, USA

John Taylor - ever hear of "baiting"?

Pat, Fairfax, VA, USA

Rand Thinker.....how many of those 130 countries pay us taxes? How many jobs do you think we provide by being in those countries? You think we help support those economies by being over there? South Korea for example, if we took our troops out of there how many people would lose their jobs. How much money would be pulled out of that economy? Give me a break. We have no influence over those people. We just have people stationed over there and we pour money into their economies.

Nick, Cumming, Georgie

America cannot go to war with Iran, nor can it defeat it by cruise missiles from afar. Iran is a completely different adversary & the americans havent a clue how to contain it. I suggest something they may not be used to..dialogue & some real diplomacy instead of these silly stories we read about.

s ahmed, cairo,

I agree with Sushma Patel, his points are great...

When will we wake up to see that that all this global conflict benefits only a select few?? The Military-industrial complex, the Oils companies, etc. My next question is what were the US ships doing there in the first place? From the last thing I remember, the United States is located in the Western Hemisphere, not the Mille East.

Lastly, I want to add that I hope the Democrats win the US Presidency so that people in the US---because the World arleady knows this--- can see that these kinds of imperial policies will continune. Wars will continune, proping up of dictators will continune (Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, etc), people displaced from Hurricane Karina will stay homeless, the prison population will grow from the current number at 2 million prisoners -(1 out of every 150 people), we'll still have 50 million without health care, the so called "War on Terrorism will continue, etc.

We need alternatives!!!
Dr. Mike

Mike, LA, USA/ California

To Rolf,

911 was also an inside job right? Our gov't thought of nothing better to do than kill 3000 Americans, destroy a major city, and with that crush our economy because of the airline industry and other companies that were hurt as repercussions of the attack. Where do you get off preaching your nonsense basing it on zero fact? It is hard enough making it in this country with soaring oil prices and constant threat of attacks, but we have also get a daily dose of Anti-American bashing from fools who have never stepped foot on this soil nor ever met decent Americans. Funny how when America decides to defend itself, people think it is sabre rattling and staged propoganda. I guess maybe if those ships attacked and killed some of our sailors, you would still blame Cheney. I hope all Europeans arent this ridiculous.

Chris, Tampa, USA

No Mr Patel, but I can see the "ludicrosity" of a cruiser, a destroyer and a frigate being described as "three massive tankers"

And who said the press were present? The article certainly does not - do you know something we don't?

I would venture to suggest that If you cant be bothered to read the article properly, you ought to keep your views to yourself

Peter, London, UK

Sushma Patel says "People such as John will never understand what these wars mean for the people in the countries that are invaded, a better life? I have yet to see evidence of this anywhere!"

That's rich, coming from a European who, without an invading army, wouldn't be free to live in the UK, share his opinion, or speak a language other than German or Russian. Due to the just use of arms in the past, yours is an example of a better life.

Marc Miller, Jackson, MI, US

Sweden has vowed to be oil free within 15 years. We should be following their lead.

J Belanger, New Hampshire,

As the Iranian leadership states, these are ordinary rehearsals for the real thing. No one needs to get excited. Besides, it's simply not politically correct to say much about these things. There is no longer a war against terrorism, by act of the now seasoned Democratic Congress. Chill, bro. Watch some football or a soap. Better yet, go back to sleep. Change, it is a coming.

John A. Jauregui, Garden Valley, ID

John from Detroit like many other people on this page are of the school of thought that the US are carrying out some great deed and that they are the country doing everyone elses "dirty work". Why, would this not be the case?! For years it has been the US that is right and everyone else wrong, including other Western countries including those idiots in Europe, (please note the strong level of sarcasm). It is absolutely right to invade the Middle-East and Asia for some reason or another.

People such as John will never understand what these wars mean for the people in the countries that are invaded, a better life? I have yet to see evidence of this anywhere!

Can anyone see the ludicrosity of a couple of speedboats threatening 3 massive US tankers? Amazing how the press are always at hand, even at 5am Iranian time!

And to the genius (Jim NY) who wrote the game over comment? I cannot even be bothered to respond, as you think that it is OK to launch air strikes on a capital city!

Sushma Patel, London, UK

I see it as a serious threat. If you tease a dog enough he will either go into hiding or strike back. Kind of hard to hide ships in the straits of Hormuz unless they're sunk. Sounds like a FAIL SAFE story in the making.

Harold D. Macking, St. Pete, FL

The incident lasted 20 minutes and the US ships were just about to man their guns? We sailed thru the Straits of Hormuz not at the ready?

Ken Whitley, Huntsville, AL

Let's not forget that we're the one's parading about with an entire navy in their backyard, and we're getting all nervous about "5 speedboats".

K, Florida, USA

Would love to see jittery American reaction and/or sabre-rattling if there were Iranian war ships routinely sailing close by, say, the Hamptons! Remember how close the world was to Nuclear Armageddon when the Russians tried to instal missile bases in Cuba (and that was 90 miles away!) Seriously though, the Straight of Hormuz is one narrow water way so with international waters and Iranian national territory taken into consideration there's no margin for error. I'm not sure about those boxes, though...can't they afford rockets or mines or something ;-) The Iranians love their little games - remember the kidnapping of the "trespassing" British naval crew? All good propaganda for State tv and something Goebbels would be proud of, but in the "free" world take it all with a large pinch of salt.

Dave, London,

I for one would like to thank the us forces, when we need them they will be there for us......

oliver , earls colne, uk

The fact that they have done this and other shows of force over the last 24 months should concern 5th Fleet. Allowing the Fast Inshore Attack Craft that close is disturbing, the US Navy must understand that shoulder launched weapons (Anti Tank/MANPADs) directed toward the Bridge or Pilot house could do major damage onboard the ships. The Navy needs more training in this area.

Jim G, Port Hueneme, CA

But, were they actually Iranians?
Without an engagement and evidence,
it could have been any one of several groups.

Robert Henry, London, UK

Rolf Hansen. Do you think that the 15 British sailors kidnapped by the Iranians and held for days last year was really pulled off by MI5 as well? Does the fact that the Iranian government have confirmed (on al-Jazeera as well as western news outlets) that this incident did happen make any difference to you in your little world? Or do you just love any old conspiracy as long as it means you can bash the Americans?

Garley, London, England

Too many of you that "think" Iran is trying boost oil prices. You should think again and watch those tapes of Ahmadinejad when he visited the US unlike our Presidents visiting them in fear of assassination. Don't wanna get into a big debate here. Buts its Iran and Venezuela thats wanting Oil prices down for countries that are poor and rich countries paying the price.

If the US Navy had striked those speed boats it would have made oil prices rocket and countries like the US and UK would suffer and our people would roit. and the muslamic world would laugh at us for being so stupid like we are.

Joseph, Stevenston, Ayrshire

Rob of Orlando called George Washington a NEOCON. That is totally wrong! GW admonished us to trade with all but avoid entangling alliances. Please don't put that great American in a group with today's Republicans and Democrats who trample American freedoms at home, ignore their Constitutional oaths and build empires abroad. See failed presidents like George Bush and Woodrow Wilson for that. Both got 8 years, but America suffered.

FRD, Belle Mead, New Jersey

To Al in Chigwell,

We made them, but you bought them.

Dom, CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa

I’ve not forgotten the Twin Towers yet. Another “simple provocation”. That wasn’t a Mass Destruction, a Mass Killing. That was just... the oil barrel. Sure.

Fernando.Madrid, Masdrid, Spain

Next time they do that, blow them up! No one should threaten our troops like that.

Mike, Washington DC,

Rolf, if we were in a Gulf of Tonkin style false-flage event in order that Cheyney gets his war with Iran before the Democrats take office, the navy would have FIRED on the Iranian ships. God knows they had cause, but withheld from firing -- showing remarkable restraint and bolstering the fact that President Bush wants peace.

Thomas Craig, London, UK

Except with the Gulf of Tonkin- there was no video of the event...

John C ., Virginia Beach, VA/USA

If one of the three stooges--i.e., Clinton, Obama or Edwards--is voted in, threats such as these will be made good on. The Iranians are testing defenses, rehearsing for future attacks, anticipating the ability to act with impunity.

Bruce, Kentucky, USA

Latest report is that American planes buzzed Iranian ships in the mouth of Chesapeake Bay !

Jim Pritchard, Charleston, Sc

Should we retreat from the freedom of the seas next.? Just let the pirates do as they will and let the chinese decide who may use the sealanes?

Ben , alexandria, USA, VA

Mark Shewhart,

"Rolf Hansen - please. How do you suppose Cheney arranged for Iranian gunboats to pass near US warships?"

Apparently by sending a fleet to Iran.

John McD, San Francisco, ca, USA.

The Commanding Officer of a US Navy vessel is authorized to protect his ship. If a threat was present, unfortunate Iranian Sailors would be vapor.

Rob Brixey, Sanford, USA / NC

adrian from london ,hit the nail on the head. if retaliation is necessary, the cost to iran should be
a total shut down of their oil exports with minimal loss of life.

larry, new york, usa

Amazing! With email comments like these (blame America), who needs enemies! Is this what happened to those who warned of Hitler's aggression. We (the West), were warned. We have only ourselfs to blame. Iran is dangerous to world peace, and they will continue to spread violence throughout the region (even after we leave). Some folks just don't get it.

Henly Miles, Killeen, Texas

Why do we use/ need oil at all?

A century ago, a truly brilliant inventor (reponsible for radar, remote control, all modern power transmission through AC means etc...) called Nikola Tesla rediscovered how to produce electricity freely from the ionosphere and transmit it through wireless means. This technology, if reproduced, would revolutionise the world and make cheap/ free power available to all.

The truth is that mankind really does not need oil.

It is the elites that depend on the use of oil and waging war.

Anthony , Paris, France

I doubt many people would presently paint the Americans as blameless - however this repetition of juvenile aggression by Iran again reinforces how critical it is that they are not allowed access to WMD's.

David, Coventry, UK

Love it. Iran make the threat and Rolf Hansen blames American politicians.
Talk about blinkered and Anti-American
Phill , The Wirral, England

I thought it was the American navy that is threatening Iran.

Al, Chigwell, UK

joe, berwickshire, scotland

You must grateful for all the repackaged sub-prime loans the Yanks have been flogging to the global banks. Happy recession!

Al, Chigwell, UK

Shanester in Denver, the only non U.S.-allied country with the capability of landing a nuke on NY is Russia. Iran doesn't even have any nuke warheads, let alone a delivery system capable of landing one on NY - your own intelligence audit said so. And if your media was actually prepared or allowed to report the words of your FBI whistle-blower you'd know that US officials are the ones selling nuclear info to the terrorists (as reported by the Times). Ed in kissimmee, my fantasy world doesn't include having idiots like Cheyney in command, let alone millions of idiots prepared to turn a blind eye whilst he does what he wants to the world. And I am not anti-American. Anti-Cheyney and his hawks? Yes, to that I plead guilty.

Rolf, Edinburgh, Scotland

Mark from Dayton:

c'mon son, get that tin hat on your head! we all know that Dick Cheney is operating from Cheyanne Mountain Wyoming. He is operating a mind control weapon that will force the Iranians into a war against their will. that way oil will go up to eleventy billion dollars a barrel and Haliburton will finally control the world. you know its true. Ron Paul said so.

Ronp123, London, UK

I guess we know which side Rolf is on (by the way, proper spelling is Cheney). Adrian is probably right. As a former Naval Officer I commend those in the US ships that did not over-react. I hope the Iranians understand what will happen if they actually do attack a non-Iranian ship. Do the Iranian people really want their government and military personnel trying to goad the US into destroying all of their military and industrial infrastructure? Perhaps Iranian leaders are just listening to some voices (not all) from Russia, who would be more than happy to have the Iranians take a fall AND drive up the price of oil in the bargain. Iran and the US should be allies, just ask their people.

HarryVT, Wilton,

Tails I win, Heads you loose.

Watch the price of crude oil jump up a few more notches.

A nice bit of stress in the Straits of Hormuz puts a few more Dina's in the bank.

The Mullahs in Iran can't loose.

Catch 22 for the rest of us.

Unless we hurry up and find other ways to quench our oil thirst. Like it or not, gun boat diplomacy went out in the last century.

The futures market is the battlefield at the moment, and until the West finds another way to keep the wheels turning and our homes warm. We're stuck.

The only way to win is to bankrupt them, use less crude oil. Easier said than done, I know, but until we change the rules of the game......

Rob, Eindhoven, NL

It is very clear to me that the real motivation behind Iran's action is to maintain oil prices at a high level. There is no other reasons.

I am surprised that no one seems to see this cheap game by Iran.

Jacquelin Ouellette, Montreal , Canada

Pretty scary stuff. Rolf and his ilk blame the US for the high oil prices, like we could control it. Sheesh! If GW Bush could, he'd drive it down to $20 per barrel and be a hero.

Also, others are wondering why the US (as well as other Western countries) have ships there. That's a "Duh". If we and others weren't there, Iran would shut down the Gulf and you would then see oil prices at $200-$300 per barrel. Trust me.

You can offord to drive your car and pay for electric, Rolf, because we and others are helping protect that water. It is INTERNATIONAL waters!

Shanester, Denver, CO , USA

Slipped up, didn't they, the Iranians ? Must have thought it was the Royal Navy, even though there were three whole ships : unsuitable craft, hamstrung captains. Packed with Seapersons & Royal Marines : instructions not to fire, surrender on sight, burst into tears when their iPods are taken, and only start smiling again when they've broadcast for the enemy and been sent home in shiny new suits clutching little packets of sweeties.

The Yanks were going to Fire ! What did they think they were ? Crewing warships ?

Ron, London, England

Well, sounds like just another dry run by the Terrorist Org, calling itself "The Revolutionary Guard". Very similar to the average terrorist dry runs done on passenger jets, etc. Only, this time they're dropping dummy mines(boxes) in the path of Naval Vessels. Next time our boys better shoot first and ask questions later or we may just lose a ship or two!

BTW, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington & a host of others (including Britian's Winston Churchill) would also be called NEO-Conservatives by today's goofy left.

I consider the label (neocon) a badge of honor and I thank those of you, who seem delighted in using it! :^)

All the Best to Our British Brethren!

Rob, Orlando, FL.

The States maybe full of rejects. But we have our own modern Winston Churchills to make a stand. The Union will not fail!

James, Kennesaw, GA

If it happens again there should be 5 Iranian ships sitting on the bottom of the sea. It's time Iran learned a little respect.

Jason, Citrus Heights,

Where do you people get that, "USA is creating a scenario to go to war with Iran"? The US ships were in INTERNATIONAL waters. Bush Derrangement Syndrome has erroded the minds of to many Americans. Keep drinking the Hate America First cool-aid people.

Mark, San Carlos, CA, USA

Iran just wants to boost up the price of oil. Everytime they make an outrageous statement about erasing Israel, or trumpet the next step in their atomic bomb program, or engage in antics on the high seas ... the price of oil goes up.

It is human nature to prepare for disruption of supplies. Around here the best way to clean out the grocery stores of milk and bread is to announce a snowstom is coming.

Iran increases its prestige (at least as defined in the Muslim world) and life is good.

One day they will cross the line -- this one was really close, and Gulf War III will start. Hopefully before they acquire the 100 lbs of enriched U-235 needed for a bomb.

William Wallace, Apex, North Carolina

I would simply tell Iran again how close they came to being destroyed .And tell them again and cc the world ,that if this provocation happens again the orders are to obliterate the few boats involved. In addition I would tell Iran any retaliation for the destruction of the menacing boats will result in a retaliatory air strike on there capital. Game over......

jim, Ithaca, NY USA

International waters mean every nation has access to the area. This would include nations such as the U.S. which has strategic interests in maintaining the free flow of oil for itself and its allies. It is difficult to understand that Iran would seek to provoke the destruction of its military vessels but we need to take action if they miscalculate in order to insure no further incidents like the USS Cole. This recklessness of the Iranian forces could encourage future miscalculations on their own part. The United States Navy should not become a victim and even the surrender vendors from the Libertarian and Democratic parties should not be so fast to look for votes if the Iranians come to harm.

dryden01, Redmond, WA

BOTH of you are right!

Steve , Tazewell , TN USA

Nasser: The Shah brought 20th century prosperity and prestige to Iran including advances in public education, land reform and freedom. And yes, was also a bulwark against the threat of Soviet expansion. I saw it first hand, having lived in Tehran for four years during that time while enjoying Iranian hospitality and friendship. It is indeed crucial for America (and everyone else) to protect Middle East oil reserves for the world marketplace but that is a two-way street in which both the buyer and seller benefit. The U.S. doesn't "control oil" but does work to assure that world oil reserves remain accessible to everyone and are not used as an economic weapon, especially by Islamist radicals. Khomeini's theocratic dictatorship and his Revolutionary Guard trashed the progress achieved back during the Shah's reign and returned Iran to the way it was in the Middle Ages (with the help of Saddam Hussein's invasion and the ensuing eight year Iran-Iraq war which Khomeini used to solidify his power). The barbarism of Khomeini's (and Khamenei's) "secret police" makes SAVAK appear as benign as the Boy Scouts. I hope one day the Iranian people can throw out those fanatical despots and enjoy freedom. If their government continues to support Jihadist terrorism and continue their belligerent threats, that might just happen sooner rather than later.

Steve, Walla Walla, USA/Washington

What are you americans going to do when China and India start to buy up most of the oil. Or peraps by then you will be occupy Iran and Saudi as well as Iraq. You need to tighten your belts, if you can find any belts that fit.

Arshad, Bedfordshire,

Nasser: The Shah brought 20th century prosperity and prestige to Iran including advances in public education, land reform and freedom. And yes, was also a bulwark against the threat of Soviet expansion. I saw it first hand, having lived in Tehran for four years during that time while enjoying Iranian hospitality and friendship. It is indeed crucial for America (and everyone else) to protect Middle East oil reserves for the world marketplace but that is a two-way street in which both the buyer and seller benefit. The U.S. doesn't "control oil" but does work to assure that world oil reserves remain accessible to everyone and are not used as an economic weapon, especially by Islamist radicals. Khomeini's theocratic dictatorship and his Revolutionary Guard trashed the progress achieved back during the Shah's reign and returned Iran to the way it was in the Middle Ages (with the help of Saddam Hussein's invasion and the ensuing eight year Iran-Iraq war which Khomeini used to solidify his power). The barbarism of Khomeini's (and Khamenei's) "secret police" makes SAVAK appear as benign as the Boy Scouts. I hope one day the Iranian people can throw out those fanatical despots and enjoy freedom. If their government continues to support Jihadist terrorism and continue their belligerent threats, that might just happen sooner rather than later.

Steve, Walla Walla, USA/Washington

Do you think if the Iranian speed boats were loaded with bombs or their boxes dropped were bombs...what happened to the Cole incident...again! provoke me once, provoke me twice ...who wrote that WMD report again, anyone knows...

barba, ny, us

I love the way that Americans love their flag and their country. Period. They may disagree with policy or president, but they have inbuilt loyalty that we could all learn from.

Whether you like their present foreign policy or not you have to admit that Europe - or a large part of it - would be speaking German by now if it weren't for them.

God only knows what the Islamic world would do if there was no America. Europeans tend to criticise America without thinking what the world would be like without it.

Perhaps Iran is becoming confident because of Russia's support. And this should really give us an insight into the horrible possibilities for the future.

I hope that Iran isn't trying to engineer a war with the US because that is exactly what they will get.

Whereas the Brits have a tendency to wait and see, Americans have a bias for action. This bias may have backfired spectacularly in the past but it may be just what is needed in the next conflict.

God bless America.

joe, berwickshire, scotland

False-Flag as above poster said

Les, Chicago, IL

Once again, like Vietnam, Korea, etc., the USA is creating a scenario to have a go at IRAN. Not this time!

Michael, Philadelphia, USA

Love it. Iran make the threat and Rolf Hansen blames American politicians.
Talk about blinkered and Anti-American

Phill , The Wirral, England

we should have sunk them regardless of whether or not they turned away.

JS, New York,

Sorry, "Rolf". Here we go again with the far-left. IRAN threatens our ships, states on the radio (recorded) that they are going to blow up our ship(s) suicide style and what you you think? It's all Cheney because he wants a war.

Dude.... pull off the hate-blinders. You must be one of those people that would actually believe that if a nuclear bomb went off and vaporized New York, you'd still think Cheney had something to do with it. WAKE UP!

Shanester, Denver, CO , USA

Rolf Hansen lives in a fantasy world

Ed, kissimmee,

jv: Can you point out the "coast of west virginia" on a map for me? It is no surprise you have no concept of "international waters".

GPS, Charleston, WV

Hey Bland Thinker and jv, did you ever hear of protecting our vital national interest? Maybe when the price for a gallon of gas is $12.00, and oil is $200.00 a barrel, you can sit in your unheated home and post comments bad-mouthing your country until the power goes out.

Big Earnie, Jersey City, NJ

Dear Rolf: I am sure that when you see the videotape of the incident, you will also think it's faked. I am sure you still think the moon-landing was faked too. My goodness.

Oh yeah, and you are correct, it's not Iran that wants $200 oil, it's only the US oil companies. I am just as sure as you are that Iran would love to provide us and others with $30 oil, but it's just the US companies that won't let that happen.

Your sunglasses, their Rose colored. My advice is to remove them.

And to all who think that the UK is not a target, I beg to differ. That's the same thing that was said about Germany, oh, what... about 70 years ago? Nothing to see here, move along.

Shanester, Denver, CO , USA

When they did this to the Brits, they got away with it because all the Brits sent out were tiny boats with kids under orders not to defend themselves. The Yanks, as usual, will bail out their beloved cousins once again and repay the Iranians for embarrassing the "Mother Country" on the high seas.

Re. Kelpoitrine Jones, III, Fairfax, Virginia

"what we do if they had warships stationed right off the coast of west virginia??? "

That would be incredibly shocking...considering West VA is landlocked.

Your astute observation is as profound as your grasp of geography.

Come on, it isn't hard to understand why warships maintain this shipping channel. In fact, such ships are necessary anywhere vital shipping interests could be endangered. Unlike the Iraq war, this really is for the global good. Some people see things only in black and white, just like Bush. Although you oppose him, just like Bush, you're wrong.

CF, Solomons, MD

To Stephen from Spring, Texas:

What part of "INTERNATIONAL waters" are you having trouble understanding?

Jim, Arlington, Virginia, USA

How do we know Rolf is from Scotland? Because Iranian agents told us so? That's how false flag events work. They make it appear that the commentator is from Scotland to make the comment appear legitimate. However, if Rolf was really an Iranian terrorist trying to justify the production of nuclear weapons by an extremeist dictatorship, it might appear that he was from Scotland, but wouldn't be true. Even if Aljazeera said so.

Craig, Seattle, USA

In response to Mr. Hansen's comment, it is interesting that you can always find some hidden agenda with everything the US does. I am sure you also feel we were responsible for 9/11, the Ebola virus and Pearl Harbor. Guess what, the US is not the new evil empire. By the way last time I checked your subway bombing was committed by, I know it's a shock, Muslim terrorists.

bill isenberger, baton rouge, USA,LA

When we have over 700 military bases in over 130 countries, when we have our navy in waters all over the world, this is what happens. We have been involved in hundreds of these events since WWII. We are an empire and we are forcing future generations to pay for it. Wake up American our foreign policy is seriously flawed, it does not make us safer, it does not protect us. By the way try and name 130 different countries.

Rand Thinker, Liberty, USA

we're the one with with warships right on their borders in their waters... what we do if they had warships stationed right off the coast of west virginia??? hear the war drums beating...........

jv, memphis,

we are living in much different times than Nam my friend, these people are armed and dangerous much more than the North was.

By the way the North did not was to convert us, they just wanted us out of their country big difference in what we are dealing with now...

and thats the way I see it...

Steven Lucas, Princeton, Indiana

Re: Mark from Atlanta, GA-

You said: "The liberal leftist idiot "FRD" from New Joisey has some of the same talking points that Osama did in his most recent speech: "neocons" and "unconstitutional war" and "failed president."

Congratulations on fulfilling the aim of Osama's speech by turning on your fellow countrymen because some idiot deliberately peppered a speech with terms used by Bush opponents in an attempt to provoke just such a reaction.

There is an old saying that you should probably take to heart: "A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within."

Bill, Jamaica Plain, MA

Those of you who are unhappy with what is going on over there - either going on about why we are there or Iranians want to jack up the price of oil etc. Just remember one thing and one thing only. It was the US administration who got rid of a democratic Iranian movement about 50 odd years ago and got the Shah back in power. This is a documented fact and has more factual weight about it that the documentation the US gov used to justify war against Iraq. If you have any problems with what is happening right now just remember the following. In addition to the above the US gov supported Khomeini to take power in Iran because they thought it go insurance against the communists. Bottom line the US cannot leave the region alone because there is too much at stake over there most of it oil. Did you believe for a min that the US is going to leave things their course and not worry about controling the oil? The problem is Iranians are thinking we can play that game too!

Nasser, London,

Stephen Bratton - Walk outside and take a look up and down your street. How many cars do you count? Our economy runs on oil, if you haven't noticed. Been that way for a few years now. That's the reality we live with. We could disengage from the Middle East, pay $500 a barrel, and watch our economy collapse. Then we could all stand around together in the soup lines and talk about the good old days when we had jobs.

Or... we could drill in Alaska to buy some time while we throw our entire national effort into developing a hydrogen fuel cell. We did this once - it was called the Manhatten project. Then we could tell the Arabs and Persians to pack sand, and watch that whole region whither on the vine.

But we just keep driving our SUV's, pretending that this will all just work itself out somehow, someway. And for all of you liberals out there - the Democratic party takes more money from the Oil lobby than the Republicans do. The facts are there if any of you bother to look.

Bill, Canton, Ohio, USA

The world oil supply must be protected whether you agree with American politics are not. This is a reality.The US and world economies are too dependent on middle eastern supplies and would probably be seriously disrupted or collapse if the flow stops. Think about that seriously and at great length before making snide, stupid, ignorant, partisan comments.

The Iranians are playing with fire, and they'll get burned if they keep it up. The US Navy and Coast Guard is will be given great leeway when it comes to defending it's vessels. They will fire.

We're going to get burned too, fuel prices are sure to spike after this incident - again.

Morris Ellis, Culver City, Ca. USA

Steven,

The strait of Hormuz is about the same (or greater) width as the Channel between England & France, or the strait at Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea.

Are you seriously suggesting that the British or US could harass shipping passing through those international waterways?

Bar

bar, sydney, australia

FRD,
Iran doesn't deny this happened. In fact, they claim it is "normal". But if the US was doing this type of thing to them, I think they would be screaming their heads off. And this crazy scenario of dropping things in the path of the ship. Foolhardy in light of the USS cole. You should be amazed at the restraint of the US..almost to a fault.

Rich, Madison, WI

Actually the US Navy regularly passes through the Straits of Hormuz just as the British, French, Russians, and any other nation that has a significant naval force does. They are all there to make sure the Persian Gulf is safe for commercial shipping (of which oil product are a major portion). They are also there to ensure that the 12 mile international water boundaries are respected. I don't seriously think this was some sort of false flag event on the US's part. I think it is most likely an Iranian operation to see what tactics the US Navy would use in such a scenario. Where ever the US does business globally the US Navy is always nearby to protect US interests whether they are econimic or otherwise.

Glassdarkly, Eastern US, Mid Atlantic

The liberal leftist idiot "FRD" from New Joisey has some of the same talking points that Osama did in his most recent speech: "neocons" and "unconstitutional war" and "failed president." Idiots like that on the far left would rather trust our enemies than this nation. I say deport all the traitors like that.

Mark, Atlanta, GA

How do you know they were Iranian warships Mark? Because US officials via CNN told you so. That's how false flag events work. They make it appear that your country has been attacked by a desired target country so that country then becomes a 'legitimate' target. But if I dressed up as George Bush and punched you it would appear that George Bush had punched you but it wouldn't be true. Even if CNN said so.

Rolf Hansen, Edinburgh, Scotland

If this was a faux "incident" as suggested by FRD, all that would have been left of the speedboats was bloody, flaming debris. As usual, our troops displayed maximum restraint and professionalism to avoid another dangerous provocation.

TWB, Elmhurst, IL

Stephen Bratton

It is spelled 'ridiculous'.

Your whole comment proves exactly why anyone who votes for Paul is ignorant.

Mary Catherine, Elmhurst, US/IL

I suppose the people who say we shouldn't be there would've told Thomas Jefferson he shouldn't go after the Barbary pirates. Just be cowards like the other western countries of the day and pay off their 'tributes'. It is our navy's duty to keep bullies and pirates from controlling international waters.

Darrel, Lafayette, LA/US

There are no WMDs .
ther are no tanks rolling towards America,
there are no bombers flying overhead,
There are no dossiers or substantial allegations,
There are no IEDs which my be sourced in iIran
There are no hostile intentions,
Maybe we should find some DNA and use a microscope to help find a reason to have a resource(oil)war.

willi hudso, lincoln, eng

Wasn't that other 'failed Texan President' a Democrat? Glad to see the Liberal Illiteratti are equal opportunity spinners.

JSP, Atlanta, GA, USA

Rolf in Scotland has seen to many reruns of Braveheart! History shows that this is the same provocation that the Iranians did against the U.S. in the 1980's when the U.S. was escorting tankers. Bring it On!!

James, Castaic, USA

As if a suicide bomber will send a radio message out prior to powering his boat close to American warships... Makes me believe the Iranian version more than the American.

As for the Iranians wanting oil at $200 a barrel, its actually the American oil companies as they run the show. Better get your head out of the sand and believe it !

John Taylor, London,

Well said Rolf. We Americans just want to kill everyone. Ahmedinejad just wants to live peacefully without bothering anyone. He hasn't threatened to destroy the U.S. or Israel in weeks. Nor has he proclaimed his intent to recreate the pan-Middle Eastern Caliphate and see the flag of Islam draped across the entire globe.

If you in England think that you are not a target you are sorely mistaken. These people don't want to negotiate or come to an agreement. They want to sever the U.S. (and England) from its history and replace it with an Islamic state. The sooner you accept that the better of you, and the rest of the non-Islamist world, will be.

Jon, Boston, MA

I love how the first post for such a story immediately assumes the U.S. is lying -- in connection with a regime that would lie about the sun rising in the morning and setting at night. Why assume the U.S. is making this up? Are you telling me the rest of the world doesn't know that Iran is trouble, and needs to be dealt with, sooner or later? And who else is going to do the dirty work? Certainly not Europe or the other craven, scared Western powers, who buckle at the thought of offending a billion Muslims. No, we'll do the dirty work -- like always.

John, Detroit, U.S.A.

The US Navy should park one of the IOWA class ships over there, that would stop this Iranian nonsense.

Spencer, Benton Harbor, Michigan USA

The NEOCONs are itching for a war with Iran; even an UnConstitutional one. A war for which none of them will bleed and die. This "incident" does make one think of the Tonkin Gulf and another failed Texan president. An "incident" that has since been proven to be false.

FRD, Belle Mead, NJ

The Revolutionary Guard will continue to provoke ships that pass through the Straights of Hormuz. They believe the west to be weak and that now is a good time to test it. If confrontation leads to an exchange of fire, it will be the Iranians that initiate it or caused it. Their actions may cause their demise.

John, Syracuse, usa

This is rediculous! Why are we there again? Got to protect the oil?

We are in a part of the world that we have no business in.

Ron Paul 2008

Stephen Bratton, Spring, TX

Rolf Hansen - please. How do you suppose Cheney arranged for Iranian gunboats to pass near US warships?

Mark Shewhart, Dayton, Ohio, USA

Are we building to a Gulf of Tonkin style false-flag event in order that Cheyney gets his war with Iran before the Democrats take office?

Rolf Hansen, Edinburgh, Scotland

Its just Iran trying to stoke things up and get $200 for a barrel of oil

Adrian, London,