Would we really be over stretched if we went to war with Iran? 90% of the hostilities in Iraq would cease if we decapitated the current iranian regime. Besides, don't all the nutjob leftists want the US and UK out of Iraq? So get out of Iraq! -By way of tehran.

Yankthis, Wash DC, USAUSAUSA

Iran is merely demonstrating to the world the new reality that it has the military power to establish whatever borders it wants and there is nothing that the U.S. and U.K. can do about it short of a full invasion. They will win any military engagement short of a world war. They are not a second rate power, they are a first rate power. Only a super power (U.S. or a combined EU force) stands above them and even a super power (U.S. or EU) would require worldwide backup if they were not willing to use nuclear weapons. The only way out of this would have been to engage them during the kidnapping BEFORE the soldiers were taken to a hardened/defended position. Now it is too late. Iran holds all the cards.

Tavi, Raleigh, USA

If the Iranians don't watch out, Blair may be forced into sending them a stern letter of censure.

Perry, Toronto,

It's truly disheartening to watch the inexorable decline of a once great power, such as Britain. The present crisis, like Nietzsche's death of God, was set in motion long ago, you did it yourselves, and you still don't have a clue that it's arrived and how.

The turning point - so obvioius in hindsight - was the British reaction to the Amritsar incident. A failure of nerve. Oh, after the slaughter in the trenches of the Great War it seemed reasonable enough, but you cannot deal with the Third World in the same way you deal with ofther great powers.

Britain's failure of nerve in the last few decades, punctuated only by Mrs. Thatcher's resolve in dealing with the Argentine, has left you as enervated as the French were in 1940. You have a huge Muslim fifth column in your country that you refuse to acknonwledge is a problem. You've gutted your military

"....Briton's never, never will be slaves..." Don't make me laugh.

Cousins, you were the hope of the World. No more.

Cato Renasci, Greenwich,

Please wake up Brits!!! The US is the only country standing that can stand up to bullies. Currently, you (the Brits) are doing away with your Navy!!! In another year, you will not be able to take military action to reclaim the Falklands. Soon, the liberals in the US will dismantle our military...too...so the US will not be available to help in the future, Please do not dismantle your great fighting force..PLease let Britania rule the Waves again.

Rex Bent, Abita Springs, LA/USA

Just like to respond to the comments by Steve and the US commanders.

Firstly, real life isn't Hollywood. In a movie life is cheap and a group of good-looking western soldiers can easily defeat a bunch of backward, knuckle-dragging darkies, whatever the odds. In reality they would probably have been slaughtered by heavy calibre guns, without the stirring classical music or the last words "tell momma I loved her..."

Secondly I'm willing to bet that UK personnel are under orders not to fire on Iranians unless fired upon themselves. The voices in Blair's head might want a war with Iran but the UK military does not. It would be a logistical disaster. If Blair orders an assault on Iran it is more likely that tanks will roll down Downing Street than into Tehran.

Finally Brits are as resilient as they ever were but having witnessed WWII a close quarters and lived with its aftermath, unlike most Yanks, we are somewhat less willing to inflict that kind of destruction on others. So shut up.

Duncan Cookson, London, UK

Does it not follow, that if the truth is that our lads were in fact within Iraqi waters, that it was the Iranian boats that were trespassing? I have heard of no counter complaint. Further more, with the technology available to our forces, to suggest that the exact position could not be determined at the time is ridiculous. I can just imagine the cost to the British tax payer for this propaganda stunt. Don't bother checking the GPS, just hold your hands up, the tax payer will foot the bill and with luck we will have shish kebab tonight. Sort yourselves out and do the job you are paid for. Civil servants ......... sigh!

Andrew Pettit, Grantham, England

"Sad to contrast the general American air of sympathy and aid with the British snideness"

- Well said David Russell.

John, london,

I think Channel Four should do a 'Foreign Policy Advisor Idol'. Although I'm not sure anyone here would make it past the first round.
The best quote has to be:
'So who are we going to believe? Their compasses, or our GPS?'
which neither works as a joke or a factual statement.

Laurence, London, UK

Delusional are posters who say we didn't really need the US in WW2 and so don't need their support now and in the future. With respect to WW2, The English Channel was the only reason why Hitler stopped at Dunkirk. Otherwise we Brits would have been under the heel of the jackboot just like the 'surrendering' French. The Channel, our weather, Churchill's resolve - with the Battle of Britain - the Americans and largely the Russians won the war in Europe. Not to mention at the cost of so many lives. Of course, British military support was there and was not insignificant. But where were the Brits in the face of the Japanese sweeping through the Pacific? And today the truth is, short of our nuclear strike capability - and the SAS for specific operations - we do not have any military reach by ourselves. Iran and others will test the US/UK /(NATO??) alliance to breaking now and in the future and those who suggest we don't need the US are misleading the West into dangerous territory.

GC, Harrogate, Great Britain

I have always had a tremendous amount of respect for the British people. As a student of WW2 I am very much aware that,after the fall of France in 1940, you stood alone against the onslaught of the Luftwaffe. The courage with which you endured the "blitz" is an inspiration to all people forced to live under fire. Which is why I ask myself "What The Hell Has Happened To You People?" Are you really willing to put your heads in the sand while a bunch of Islamic fanatics humiliate you ? Have you really become this weak?

I am saddened by two things. The first is the gutting of the Royal Navy. In the past no nation would have dared commit
such an outrage,least of all a second rate power like Iran,(And they ARE a second rate power). Retribution would have come swiftly. Now you're vulnerable to this form of piracy.

The second is your apparent hatred of us. Perhaps your venom should be directed at the fanatics who captured your sailors and set off a bomb on the Undergroud.

Steve, Fort Lauderdale,Florida, USA

Assuming the ship being searched was 1.7 nautical miles from Iranian waters the Iranian military vessels (assuming a speed of 25 knots) would have taken four minutes from leaving their waters to reach it.

They would have been on patrol, visible for some time to the Royal Navy mother ship, or setting out from port on a beeline for the ship taking another 28 minutes (twelve mile limit).

What was the navy doing during these time windows?

They weren’t keeping their eye on the ball obviously.

martyn millard, calvia, mallorca

Last time i heard something of this sort happening was in the Israel Lebanon conflict - the point being that it ended up being a "CONFLICT". Plus there is a lot of talk of that war being manufactured and the "spies" were fake, all hogwash. Now there has been a long standing tense period between iran and IAEA, and the US in particular. What I'm wondering is - is this another of those propaganda? Or is this kidnapping not staged and is very real and Iran "kidnapped" british ROYAL NAVY PERSONNEL OFF ANOTHER COUNTRY;S WATERS BECAUSE THE HELICOPTER HAD GONE HOME FOR LUNCH!?!?!?!? isn't this a lot we are being asked to digest?
(with all due respect... if it is in fact true, and someone directly affected is reading this - please donot take offence - i;m just trying to understand where this world's going by speculation...)

Shiv, Singapore, Singapore

This is very distressing to Americans because the Brits are backing up our mistaken Iraqi adventure here. However, that does not mean the fundamentalists and fanatics of Iran's government deserve anything less than a strong ultimatum. If not met, they will be consigning their people to great trouble and death. What is most upsetting is that the Iranian government obviously cares so little for its own people that it would likely prefer a show of machismo to a sensible climb-down.

JRL, Florida, U.S.

The government has been preparing the public for the war on Iran for a long time now, it is part of America's long term goals in the region. This story is irrelevant..
We (the USA and UK) are the bad guys and have been for a long time. Iran's actions pale in comparison to the terrible crimes we have committed and continue to do so.
To return to the human race we need to hold Blair and Bush to account, they must be tried for war crimes and the UN crime of aggression.

Tarun Nanda, London,

Pity the poor British Marines & Sailors. They are just casualties on The War on Terror: After 9/11 President Bush said it would take many,many years to eradicate radical Islam that prefers to wage war on Western Civilization's wants and desires. This is going to get worse before it gets better.Maybe even nuclear war is inevitable, nevertheless, I forsee war in Iran and throughout the whole of the Middle East before this war is over. Armegeddon may be near. Remember 911 ,New York Washington & Pennsylvania Revenge is mine sayeth the Lord Take Care

J Hawk, Cincinnati, usa/ohio

OK, let's accept that the 'rules of engagement' prevented action by RN and RM personnel and HMS Cornwall. In that case who prepared rules that prohibited members of the RN and RM engaged in lawful operations under UN mandate to defend themselves? Were these the same people responsible for instructions to the Dutch battalion defending Srebrenica?

Appeasement simply encourages aggressive action by others. How many times do we have to learn this. Would the Iranians done this to a party from the US Navy or Marine Corps. No.

They took on a (so called) European power because they believe Europe to be weak so there was little risk of an aggressive response.

We have been humiliated. No two ways about it.

Hugh, London,

To paraphrase the words of your own Duff Cooper "you speak to ( the Iranians) in the voice of sweet reason when they would better understand the language of the mailed fist"

Lynne McCullough, Perrysburg, Ohio

Boy, isn't this hostage situation special! I hope all the left-leaning folks in Great Britain will give some thought as to just how special this situation would be once Iran gets the bomb. Also, apparently the commander of the HMS Cornwall wanted to retrieve the soldiers as the Iranian Revolutionary Guards were kidnapping them but was ordered by the MOD not to. Someone will surely need to answer for that decision.

One final thought, it was the Iranian Revolutionary Guards that took these soldiers - not the Iranian Navy. This is important because the Revolutionary Guards work DIRECTLY for the mullahs in Iran. So this was a well-planned operation for political reasons. The Iranians want their so-called diplomats (more likely spies) back that America arrested on Iraqi soil but were too spineless to kidnap American soldiers so they settled for British soldiers and will now try to arrange a swap. This is a common ploy of Iran, and they should not get away with it.

R. Cummins, Heart of Dixie, USA

Isn't it obvious where this is going??! "the decision to offer no resistance to Iran.....was down to the commanders of these boats" Oh come on!! How stupid does the government take us to be?? "the US Navy began its biggest show of force in the Gulf since the invasion of Iraq four years ago" - and then US Navy Commanders (Anandahl) pumping up the rhetoric with comments as quoted.

This is another step in the build up to war. Rob W - do you think the Iranian army all paddle around in Dhows and sailboats or perhaps ride about on camels?? We stand to gain nothing from another pointless middle east war, all for the benefit of the Americans and their greatest ally - Israel. If people realised who was vicariously calling the shots in this region and who really stood to benefit from the removal of Iran, perhaps attitudes would change!

James, London, United Kingdom

Muhammad Sheth said:
"It is time to say that we blundered aimlessly and make an exit ASAP and apologise to the world. We do not have any face left to save."

What's all this ' we' ? I think it is painfully obvious that there is only a ' we' when it suits you!
There is a ' we ' when you want NATO to bomb Serbs who are being bullied by Muslims into losing part of their country, Kosovo, to a Greater Albania. There is no ' we ' though, when it comes to showing support for the 15 kidnapped members of our Armed Forces!

Why don't you just drop the pretence and argue under your true flag? You have supra-national loyalties to other Muslims, no matter what they do or how they behave!

Jon Bowlan, Staines,

From what I see, so-called Persians have fallen a long way from the days of Xerxes and Darius. These people think in an alien manner. Diplomatic niceties like embassy sanctity mean nothing to them as we saw during the Carter years and as the present situation shows. But the difference between the Carter years and the present is immense. Also the difference between Iraq and Iran is immense. In Iraq, the U.S. is trying to stabilize a country - in Iran, it wouldn't have to, in fact the opposite.

Robert, Toronto, Canada

Here in the USA we love the Brits... Iranians?, we're not so crazy about them... Gee, I wonder why?...

K. Bennett, Kansas City, MO

blah blah blah. Why are we always talking about WWII. Who cares anymore. We have a new enemy and we're in this together because we have the same values, share the same DNA pool, and we believe in what is right and good in the world. Don't degrade those brave soldiers because they were out numbered and overpowered and decided they did'nt want to die today. What would braver, being captured by terrorists or fighting to the death for a few minutes? We're praying for them and their families and I have the highest respect for our modern day warriors. P.S. Many people in the USA can spell. We just can't speak proper English. God Bless the UK, USA and Australia.

Grandaughter of Scotland, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA

If it is clear the sailors were seized inside Iraq, and by the revolutionary guard, they serving the former chief of the US embasy occupation, which ended up costing Iran a lot, the matter can not be cleared on usual politicodiplomatic level.
The Ersatz-Ayatollah should be sent to hell, where he´ll have all the possibilities to find and fight all and any kinds of "Satans," from the big and fiery to the ones of his own size and absurdity.
It is of utter importance to star placing problems where they belong.

Pentti Jarvinen, Copenhagen, Denmark

The empire may be long gone, but I'm sure England still has the bite of the bull dog and must use it. When will theUS and England stop this blackmail from Iran?

Joe Dougherty, Irmo, South Carolina, USA

So many Britons have become appeasers and pacifists. I was taught that England's steely resolve helped defeat the Nazis. What happened? What I find so ironic about British pacifists is that nearly every hot spot in the world- be it Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran or Israel and Palestine- all have one thing in common: they are hangovers of British colonial legacy. Maybe you guys could show us a little more sympathy for fighting and dying in these places. Some of that steely resolve would be nice too. Further, Iran's president was a hotage taker during the Islamic revolution there. He lied about it when he became president despite pretty clear photographic evidence. That's punk. They took Brit soldiers hostage in 2004 and now they've done it again. It seems to be a tried and true tactic and strategy for them.
But of course, blame America.

Jay, Ventura, Calif.

Ted in New York in his criticism of Americans comments states that "it certainly doesnt work like that in the UK" Yes Ted, it doesnt, which is why you will find yourself in these situations every couple of years. Your enemys have no respect or fear of you. Ask yourself why Iran took Brits hostage and not Americans.

Mike, edinburgh,

The U.S. has been in three wars in the past 15 years. In all three cases, diplomacy failed and THEN force was used. Ironic, isn't it, that all of the hotspots in which the U.S. finds itself are former British colonies. Shouldn't that dampen Brits' disdain for us just a smidge? As for your Marines, U.K. soldiers have always had a reputation for greater discipline than any others in the world, the U.S. included. I'm sure if they were ordered to resist capture they would have. That's not what this is about. Iran and its president have a record of hostage taking as a tactic and a strategy. They said they would do it, using hateful racist terminology in their threats, and they did it. Now what? Appeasement? Blair will handle it right. He will try diplomacy, then he will try coercion and then he will use military force. Does anyone doubt these captured Brits are anything but human shields? Support your soldiers. Support your PM.

James, Camarillo, California

Britain takes its lumps from time to time, but how many wars have they lost?

Michael A. Livingston, Cheltenham, PA

I guess my question to this whole situation is, how long are the US, UK and other democratic nations of the world going to tolerate the malicious actions of rogue nations like Iran? The Mullahs of Iran have made it clear they have no interest in even tolerating Christians, Jews, or anyone else who beleives differently then they do.

What many people don't understand, or are unwilling to admit to themselves, is that an 'Iran' never concedes or goes away. Iran will continue to play the same cat and mouse game that Sadam Hussien played. Saddam's suspicious behavior and failure to meet UN mandates led to the invasion of Iraq, and he wasn't even publicy threatening to nuke Israel and kill Americans(as Iran has).

It astounds me that the liberals in this country (US) are so willing to make concessions to tyrants when the reason they have the freedom to voice their opinions at all is that we stood up to tyrrany on July,4 1776. If you could negotiate with tyrants, they wouldn't be tyrants.

John, Winter Park, FL

I didn't agree with President Bush over going to war in Iraq. There's not much else I like about Bush. That being said, we're in Iraq now. The comparisons with the war in Vietnam are not accurate with this current war. The Vietnamese were just happy to see us leave and the US only had to lick her wounds afterwards. There was nothing in Vietnam of any strategic value that we gave up. Iraq is another story. If we leave, our presence in the Persian Gulf region will be severely weakened. Read this as the US being cut off from Gulf Oil. As well, unlike the Vietnamese, the Islamists will continue their war with the west. Remember 911? I still agree with going into Iraq, but I dissagree with leaving even more. While it is disheartening to hear of continuing lives being lost over there, we must remember our freedoms were won with of our soldiers in the past. The British military personel taken are just a continuation of this war. Let's stand behind our President and our British cousins.

Dave, Saint Leonard , MD

Leslie of Guilford
Never made a mistake? never cut your finger on a piece of paper? never stapled page 50 up-side-down in a document,? Mistakes happen and if you board 50 vessels in a month and everything goes well and number 51 turns bad, don't go on a witch hunt and blame the Navy for this crisis. This was cool, calculated and extremely well executed by the Iranians for maximum leverage in a game of chess that we only see every 10th move. There is another agenda happening on both sides, and if a war is what is required then there will be one, only this time probably with UN approval. If the world takes out Iran then Iraq will be a side show that will eventually fizzle out without the support of the main benefactor. The only problem at this time will be to stop Israel from acting unilaterly and attacking a neighbour who will soon be a nuclear threat to the region. This game is going to run for a very long time, get used to it because it will be part of our lives for years

Dave, aberdeen, scotland

All this talk of hitting them hard etc etc. Do people seriously not realise what a sad fantasy they believe.

If a shooting war starts with Iran, they have missiles from Russia that can sink any ship in the Gulf, and I mean any ship. The Phalanx defense system cannot defend against these missiles.

Furthermore, strikes will lead to a full scale war as there are rounds of retaliation and counter escalation.
When this full scale war occurs, which army is going toi be sent into Iran. The army currently hunkered down in their bases in Iraq, the oevrstretched armys ending in injured troops and 46 year old reservists to fight.

Any army going into Iran will be slaughtered, the troops numbers are not available for such a mission.

Only massive disaster awaits anybody who instigates military action.

Al Biggs, Amsterdam,

Sad to contrast the general American air of sympathy and aid with the British snideness.

David Russell, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I wish people would stop repeating that old chestnut that "the Americans saved the British during the Second World War". By the time the Yanks entered the war the Battle of Britain had been won, the German bombers stifled, Hitler was looking eastwards and Britain was relatively safe. The Yanks obviously played their part in the war, but save Britain they did not."
Jean Winther, Milton Keynes, UK
You seem to be unaware of Lend Lease and the Battle of the Atlantic, I wonder, where did all those new merchant ships and escort carriers come from? Does Henry Kaiser ring a bell? German submarines were a far more dangerous threat to the UK in World War II than were German bombers. German bombers could destroy British cities, but German U-boats could have sunk enough supply ships to cause the British population to starve. The turning point in the Battle of the Atlantic did not occur until 1943 do in large part to the closing of the air gap in the central Northern Atlanic by American CVE's.

Joseph, Alexandria, VA

Britain was once the greatest empire in the world, with an incomparable navy that "ruled the waves." For the sake of pride and tradition--for the brave dead of Trafalgar, the Spanish Armada, and Jutland, don't allow a third rate theocracy to humble you!

Are there no Nelsons and Drakes left?

Chris, Edison, USA, New Jersey

Amazing, but Thomas Martin of London has echoed my thoughts on the whole affair. I have little doubt that the sailors did stray into Iranian territorial waters, which is why they did not resist arest. Perhaps George Bush will get his third way after all.

Yolande M. Agble, Accra, Ghana

The comments you publish indicate the limited knowledge of your correspondents. The part played by the USA in men and materials in both the first and second world wars, "tipped the scale" in favour of the Allies. Currently, the very presence of the US forces and to a lesser degree, the UK forces in Iraq guarantees Europe, which includes Britain, tenure on Middle East oil which could otherwise be going to quench the thirst of India, China and Japan. It is time Britain came to realise that the USA has taken over the World leadership role that Britain once had. The way they handle it leaves something to be desired but Britain's support in that role is lacking and churlish. As a mature nation, Britain's anti US role does nothing for good sense and World stability.

John Dicey, Calgary, Canada

hahaha Americans do need to learn to spell. My condolences to your country in this hard time. We got your back!

dave, Phoenix, Az, USA

DC says none of us knows what is really going on. So it is ridiculous then to assert that they know the invasion of Iraq had nothing to do with spreading freedom. DC also says that war with Iran would be a very, very bad idea - because they are a substantial military force. I would argue that appeasement of Iran could be an equally bad idea for the same reason.

Mike, Sydney, Australia

Everything id like to say has been said, but I have to say the finishing line of Tony Gold's argument
''US rules of engagement may differ with regard to friendly powers'' is genius.

scoot gee, bristol, uk

Give diplomacy a chance, after all peaceful outcomes are always the best.

If that doesn't work however then Iran must be humiliated to impress upon its leaders that there are consequences to their actions.

I suggest denying them access to their own territorial waters from which all of these attacks have been launched. The coalition navies in the area are more than capable of doing this. If the Iranian navy were restricted to port then it would also make the job of intercepting arms shipments to Iraq much easier.

Would they dare come out of port?

Steve, Reading, UK

If Britain doesn't have the guts to do the dirty work that needs to be done, I hope us yanks will do it for them. Maybe this "military exercise" is a front for trouncing Iranian butt. I doubt it is, but there's always hope.

IRAN TRESPASSED INTO IRAQI WATERS! ISN'T THAT A DECLARATION OF WAR!?

Larry, Sacramento, California

As easy as it is to get all self righteous and opinionated here - none of us knows what is really going on. You people have to understand that those in the high echelons of world power have a completely different viewpoint to us plebs - such it has always been, and such it always shall be. None of us knows where the boats were or what they were doing. No one knows really why we went to war with Iraq (although, my dear American friends, the one thing I do know is that it had nothing to do with spreading freedom!), or what will determine what happens with Iran. What I will say is that war with Iran would be a very, very bad idea - because, as lockhart-brown in Madrid points out - unlike Iraq, they are a substantial military force.

DC, Glasgow,

In response to Mr. Hull: P- L- E- A- S- E.

stewart, delafield, WI, USA

First, God bless PM Blair and Pres. Bush. While I have serious issues with my president and didnt support the war in Iraq, the capture of these sailors makes me SO angry I cant stand it! The Iranians must free them, or else they will share the same fate as the Taliban and Saddam. Do they think we're playing around?

Joshua, Kissimmee, Florida USA

From pararaph 2: "His words, immediately condemned by Iran as “provocative”..."

If this situation was less serious, that sentence would be hilarious. Have we unearthed a new 'Comical Ali' in the Iranian state department?

Fraser, London, UK

Given that President Bush seems to be gagging for a war with Iran, it makes you wonder whether this incident was deliberately manufactured by Britain and America to provide a legitimate excuse for attack. We did the same thing to China, for example, during the second Opium War in 1856. The Chinese navy boarded a British registered vessel loitering off its coast and accused the crew of piracy and smuggling. The British responded by attacking a Chinese coastal port with her American, French and Russian allies. The eventual Treaty of Tientsin gave these allies a permanent presence on mainland China.
What goes around comes around.

Thomas Martin, London,

Our reaction was, ‘Why didn’t your guys defend themselves?’ ”
****************************
Yeah so was mine. Our rules of engagement are suppsed to be "anti inflamatory" but now having 2 aircraft carriers and 10,000 marines off the coast of Iran doesn't sound like it succeeded. The captain of the Cornwall was a fool.

K, sunderland, uk

"And why did the troops just surrender? I would like to see Iran try that with American troops. It would be a very quick wakeup call. - Joey Bee, " Past results would show that they would have been more likely to shoot themselves or their allies than cause the Iranians much bother.

Chris, Huntingdon, UK

According to Jean Winther..The Americans didnt saved the British during the 2nd World War...Where would be Great Britain now if the Americans didnt join in? Who helped the Russkies with the supplies during the German invasion of Russia?Who beat the Japanese?

Jim Paredes, Ajax, Canada

Let our people go...or we are going to... uh, well,.....mmmmmmmm, we are going to tell Uncle Sam.....When are the Brits and the rest of the feckless Europeans going to contribute something in your own defense in the global war on radical Islam?

Vern, DuBois, pa.

Iran your days are numbered. These were UK sailors NOT USA. It's not the same thing. You can only push the Brit's so far. Remember the Faulkland Is. War? They will come after you.

Bob, Mobile, USA/Alabama

Let the mad dog from Iran get away with this and you can wait until the next group of your sailors gets picked up. We in America, through the inept Carter, let the Iranians highjack our embassy in the seventies. About 450 employees were imprisoned for more than a year. Reagan was being sworn in and at the very same hour the hostages were being released. Carter should have delivered a strong ultimatum, let our people go or suffer severe condequences in 48 hours.

UK fan, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Dear Jean:
With all due respect. Your preposterous idea that the U.S.A. did not save Britain. We not only saved Britain but the rest of the world. In fact we still are saving you. Instead of appreciation we receive hostility. If it were up to me Europe could eat it. So as far as your comment my dear Jean Winther Ha Ha Ha hahahahahahahah
Respectfully

Masterdel, Rockymountains, U.S.A.

Everything humanly possible must be done immediately by Britain and her allies to free the sailors and marines kidnapped by Iran. If force must be used, it has to be swift and overpowering to be effective.

No dillydallying!

Jimmy Walker, El Paso, Texas/USA

There is now no diplomatic solution. They are being held by the Revolutionary Guard. Even if the Iranian Foreign Ministry wanted to give them back the RGs will not have to.

Ben, York,

Most of the posts here from Americans seem to be questioning why the British service personnel didn't 'fight back'. Clearly they felt they had done nothing wrong, and there was some confusion. Do you think if the Brits had fought back, wouldn't this be escalating the violence and confusion? Isn't diplomcy a better option at this point rather than blasting everybody to bits? Restraint is a wonderful thing sometimes.

Be aware, Americans, that us British would rather find out what's happened first, then discuss it, before wielding guns and bombs and making threats of violence. That may be how it works in your trigger-happy country, but it certainly doesn't work like that in the UK.

Ted, New York, USA

This should not be about UK, US, politics. 15 soldiers were were taken hostage. Our goal should be their safe return. Sometimes I do not think the British people realise the great appreciation the American people have for them. Our countries share close historical bonds beyond Iraq. Lets not forget our ability to be friends. I am sure the US will help the British, if help is needed. Lord knows the people of the UK have helped us in recent years.

Matt G., Indianapolis, IN - USA

Now let me get this right. Blair calls Ahmedinajen(sic?) & says why don't you kidnap our sailors so that the US & UK will go to war with you....DUH!!! I've never read such left wing dribble as some of the comments above.What will happen in 2009 when Bush is gone, who's going to be blamed then? Seems like every time there's a problem in the world the LEFT WING media world wide blames Bush & Blair. How UK public opinion has changed since the Falklands when they were so gungho.

Alan Williams, Palm Desert, Calif/USA

US and British never place any pressure on the Zionist "Illegal State when it was killing innocent
people. Just because Iran has the right to its nuclear programme. US and British never placed any pressure
when the Zionist sold nuclear development to the Koreas.
Because the other MIddle East Nation have concern
but not deep concern for Iran. They have deep concern for the Palestinians. The only reason US and British
are carring out this mission - The Zionist wanted.

Nasir, Round Lake, US, IL

There is no more England. The brave English of the London Blitz is gone. Now, there's admirals commanding your navy to give up soldiers as they are taken hostage. Muslims own your country.

You should withdraw your troops. The U.S. will replace it with military that actually fights.

You can blame it on Iraq all you want. You and the French screwed up the entire middle east for almost 100 years. We're just trying to clean up the mess you left the rest of the world.

Chauncy Chipman, New York, New York, USA

Could all Americans learn to spell please

steve, hull, uk

Incredible! Let the British Government work out this issue. I agree with Jean, UK...stop reminding the British of how we have "saved them"...also second guessing what happened is senseless. Hindsight is unfair! We weren't there. We are also not part of the diplomatic effort. Let their government do their work. As far as I know, everybody's still alive, Iran will play out a bit of propoganda, and if we're lucky, their leadership will suffer with this poor decision.

James, Juneau, USA

What is needed is a mechanism to humiliate Iran.

If they insist on using their navy illegally in foreign territorial waters then we should deny them that right. There is more than enough naval hardware in the Gulf to force them into port and confine them there. Threaten to destroy any Iranian naval ship leaving port. Dare them to come out.

The loss of face for the regime would be impossible to hide and would damage them at home.

It would also have the positive beneift of making it much easier to prevent weapons shipments from Iran as we could patrol much closer to the coast.

Steve, Reading, UK

Shades of the Gulf of Tonkin and the USS Pueblo perhaps?

Patrick Legris, Toronto, Canada

IF it would have been... as rational people would do... "Excuse me, but you're in our waters... would you please move into Iraq waters..." "Oh, you believe you're already in Iraq waters?" "We don't think so. Let's complre navigation readings." One would be proved right, one in error... It would be solved..

But those Iranians aren't rational people...

We feel for you and your sailors... We'll help..

Al Stock , Oregon, Wisconsin

I'm sure I speak for 99.9% of Americans when I say that we all want the British soldiers safely returned as soon as possible. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.

Steve, New York, New York

I note with interest that an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman was their face on this matter, and that the high officials like Ahmadinejad have been eerily silent so far.

I take this to mean that Iran has yet to firm up its position, taking into account UK and other countries' response. I believe the Brits and doing ok so far, and hope that Tony Blair would keep up the pressure with firm and credible messages to direct the Iranians to resolve the matter.

From what I read, I believe military action is not an option.

MCL, Hong Kong, China

Kevin, way to go and confirm every British and European stereotype about Americans. Iran is dangerous and extremist and neither the US nor the UK can have their hands tied by politics in the face of this type of aggression. The public's ignorant criticisms and disrespectful, arrogant comments against our nation's leaders fuel a fire of division and animosity. Let us not forget that most great nations and societies in history were destroyed by conflict within before they ever conceded defeat to an outside enemy.

B. Eyre, Seattle, WA

Jean Winther:

As an American, I agree. I get sick of hearing it too. I always believed we were quite late to that fight and shouldve gotten in before France fell. No doubt the Battle of Britain would've been a bit less "breathtaking" for you Brits if you'd had a little help... That was too close.

Christopher, Dayton, USA/Ohio

As per usual the Americans would have shot first and asked questions later.
My grandad fought in WW11 and his father in WW1 and nothing, it appears has changed since then. He said they called the Americans "Halt bangs" and if you valued your life you'd make sure that you were as far away as possible from any half witted Yanks because they'd have you dead faster than any German. His words not mine.

Adam , Belfast, Northern Ireland

Lets swap the sailors with Blair or Bush. But i guess iran wouldn't even agree to that. After all they need someone who is worth it.

John, mi, usa

So much Guano! I could count the sensible comments on one hand!

bob jenkins, Shropshire, England

Just look at the kind of propaganda British and American governments are churning out: the war war mentality and deliberate acts of raising tensions.
The countries hell bent on punishing Iran should keep in mind they will not only not succeed in their mission but it will also expose them to the world how week they have become over the years. That in turn will help anti-US resistance all over the world.
Coming times are interesting and its duty upon us all to prevent America and its ally from bombarding more Muslims into death.

mark mekaal, lodnon, UK

Ok we forgot about all the supplies we sent & The Vol. "Americans" that flew fighters in that battle? This is my wish, bring home all our troops get out of the middle east, get out of europe, And the most important = withdraw for the UN & kick them out of the US! Let these countries finned for themselves as they have done us!

Proud to be a free AMERICAN!

Terry , Rayville, La

Threats are one thing, but before making them be sure they can be carried out. Never threaten without 100% conviction to go ahead,and ensure the full support of the British people exists to carry out the threat. This is essential,as if force is used,and I hope this does not come about, be prepared for casualties-Iran has plenty of weapons of all types.
Remember also that weakness is fatal when dealing with a country such as Iran
Also as regards military support,in this situation do not depend on any from the big European countries

Nic Singlehurst, Royan, France

As far as the Lt. Commander's comment, I would assume the Royal Marines were vastly outnumbered or they would have resisted. We don't have the troops to invade Iran; we're too overstretched in Iraq and Afghanistan as it is. For that matter, the Islamic world already feels singled out; if we go after a third Muslim country, we'll have an exponential increase in would-be jihadists. There's also about zero support for a draft or a third war. On the other hand, we have to back our one 100% reliable ally, the UK, if they need help. Complicated situation.

Donovvn Stone, Baltimore, USA, Maryland

For Pete's sake Tony.. Show some backbone! Go rescue your 15 citizens!

Kim Righetti, Upland, Calif USA

I think we should take care of them now before they get the nuke. then it's to late.

jeff klipp, westminster, carroal

The US & Britain must stick together on this. History is repeating itslef. God Bless your servicemen & women!

Doug Heffernan, Queens, NY

Americans don't think we saved Great Britain during WW II. America was infected with as much "peace in our time Neville Chamberlain" attitude as England or Europe. Sure Great Britain defeated the Nazis in one of the most important battlels of all time at the Battle of Britain. America and FDR did help a bit, sending supplies and a few men. The real questions is why this matters now. Iran should not be allowed to continue their interference with the High Seas; Great Britain is a maritime power or it is nothing more than Luxembourg. Why didn't the Brits fight? Will the Brits drop their pride and allow the US to help them recover their soldiers?

Gary Edward Hill, Edinburg, Tx

Bring back Winston!

Kevin Mac Gowan, leitrim, ireland

This is another negative consequence of the Iraq invasion.. if military action against Iran became unavoidable, who in their right mind would believe Blair now? Or even his successor? The hyped up wild goose chase for WMDs in Iraq has created a massive credibility gap for politicians in both the UK & US.

Owen, London, UK

I wish people would stop repeating that old chestnut that "the Americans saved the British during the Second World War". By the time the Yanks entered the war the Battle of Britain had been won, the German bombers stifled, Hitler was looking eastwards and Britain was relatively safe. The Yanks obviously played their part in the war, but save Britain they did not.

Jean Winther, Milton Keynes, UK

You go on saying whatever you like and thats people on both sides ! , the reality is that Iran just need to release the troops as they werent doing anything wrong end of .

Tom Hammond, Bournemouth , uk

Dear Jack Straw, now we understand why it was so unwise to proclaim that war with Iran was inconceivable. Unless you can use the stick as well as the carrot in negotiations - and it is a careful balance, a bluff you might say- you give away a powerful bargaining tool. Of course, the British press will be only too eager to call the politicians' bluff, thus scuppering their bargaining position. I'm not even sure this comment will be posted. Journalists are very ready to call politicians to account but are singularly sensitive when it comes to even the mildest criticism of the press. And that is the way the cokkie crumbles....

Marguerite, Crouch End, Britain

The "fear" that the US and the UK have of the regime in Iran
cannot compare with that felt by Iranians themselves, sixteen year old girls accused of adultery, for example.
Moreover, London, UK is a pretty safe place to express opinions, however ludicrous.

Mark Lyndon, London, UK

Stuart, very nicely said.

Rich, Brighton, UK

More Moslems have been killed by Moslems than by any other group. Seems to part of the religion & culture

Hero, Preston,

Ash from Mumbai - you're very naive if you believe Iran has a democratic government. Iran is a theocracy, and the clerics in charge ruthlessly suppress any dissent. Check out the Amnesty website for descriptions of how prisoners of conscience are treated.

Onil Banerjee, London, UK

Can we swap Tony Blair for the 15 sailors? Maybe, most of the UK population will agree that the Iranians can keep Tony Blair.
Lets get our boys in Iraq back home and send most of the politicians who agreed with the Iraq war to Iraq instead.

Abdullah, London, UK

The capturing of british citizens/servicemen amounts an act of agresion. THere other legitimate reasons for attacking Iran, the reasons we attacked Irak and found no reason after all. They have weapons of mass destruction, from their leader's comments, they are the biggest threat to peace in the Middle East and in the world. Let's take action NOW before it is too late.

edward, London, UK

Kevin Seattle. The British sailors and marines were lightly armed, the iranians armed to the teeth. You know opposite to the USA situation in Vietnam.

So you saved us in World War 1 and World War 2? Do you mean the 1917-18 war and the 1942-45 wars. Who benefitted economically from those. Britain has just paid back in full the money she had to borrow from the US after World War 2. How many other countries have paid you anything.

Next time one of your governments want to fight a war ask some body else for support like the French for example.

Richard, England,

The only option open to Britain is to negotiate. It has a 44 ship Navy with half in the yard for repairs. You can't rattle your sabres if you don't have one. Pathetic

Charles, Philadelphia, USA

All this results from the disaterous, illegal invasion of Iraq. Further bellicosity will hardly help the hostages.

Of course the UK is technically correct as regards the position but there are no lines on the sea and 1.7 miles is not much.

The UK will be a pariah state if it launches yet another war. I can't see Iran 'cooperating' in the face of threats.

Rational negotiation not tub thumping is required.


.

Phil, Hong Kong,

US and Uk fear Iran more then any other islamic country, and the proof of the fear is accusing Iran of various violations, Iran and its people do not fear the US and will continue to develop its country, to have nuclear energy as its right, the persian civilisation goes back thousands of years so now its time for their country to develop its own resources and to rely on other nations as it once was, I have`nt seen any evidence to suggest the sailors are innocent, their probably is more to what is going on then we know !

Abdurrahim, London, UK

In reply to our friend Ash in Mumbai. I think we definitely are under the influence of propaganda here in our world too. And i think anyone out here that thinks they're better than people in other parts of the world are wrong. The big thing i'd like to say above all, is as i live in Vancouver, a town which you may have a lot of family in, and from the Iranians i talk to they say that guy is a bad guy, and the regime ruling is bad for that country. I'd also like to say you are right though about what you say, there is propaganda in our part of the world too and the people here need to realize this. I don't know what to believe anymore, so i've therefore come to a conclusion.
This conclusion is, its not the people fighting this war. And if US does go to Iran, its the US government vs the Iranian government, not those people vs the other people. 260 World Leaders control all of us 7 billion people on earth and what we should think, isn't it time we come up with a better way then kill?

Jordan, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

For those people offering their 'armchair' advice (especially from the US!) and confused as to why our 'guys' gave themselves up, You have no idea about our rules of engagement. Admittedly, British diplomacy is a crazy idea at the best of times, but suicide is not an option!. If diplomacy fails, there are other forces within the British military that 'work like dogs' for many different nations on different rescue missions, be assured these forces will be briefed on their next task, and they 'will' succeed, with or without the help of other allies.

Stuart, Manchester, UK

The increased US naval presence off the coast of Iran will i am sure worsen the situation regarding the general welfare of the British Sailors. It seems very ill timed and almost a delibrate escalation of an already tense,misunderstood and sensitive situation.

Jason Gillott, Hong Kong, SAR China

""PM Tony Blair is overstepping his bounds in trying to precipitate yet another war on Iran and by extension on Islam""

LOL!
This is the problem we face - irrational, victim resentments.
Meanwhile, back in reality, Iran has KIDNAPPED these men and the UK is being tremendously restrained and diplomatic in the face of such heinous and unacceptable provocation.

Joe, Manchester,

Why is everyone bleating on about sending in the SAS? We are now seeing a re-ordering of the World order. Iran can do whetever it likes against fast fading imperialistic powers. Alot of you are forgetting that you are NOT dealing with Iraq here (having been weakened after a decade of sanctions), but Iran. They are not arabs they are persians. Do any of you understand the difference?? They will fight with ferocity to protect their land and their proud civilization. They have the weapons and and the personnel. And if a war does take place, I have a horrible feeling that we will not only watch this from our armchairs but will feel it on the streets of london and NY. The Iranians have Al Quds sleeper cells all over the west (the guys who trained hezbullah) and these guys make Al-Queda look like choir boys. So please, stop and think! Nelson is dead. The Empire is gone. You cannot bully and steal the wealth and resources of other countries any longer.

Lokhart-Brown, Madrid,

Dear Ash,

If they were spies, they would not have given themselves up. As for the rest of your comments, for sure the West's behaviour is frequently not angelic nor altruistic. Obviously it tries to safefuard its interests. But can you really compare the Iranian democracy to ANY democrcacy in the West? Ask that question to Iranians, both those living in Iran and those abroad.

David, Lisbon, Portugal

Surrender is very British these day's. This is why the Iranians chose the British. A country that prosecutes home ownners defending their family from intruders with relish, can't be surprised when our troops so meekly surrender. "Whte Feathers" all round I believe.

ian blaber, Bristol, England

So who are we going to believe? Their compasses, or our GPS?

Rob W, Midlands, UK,

The politians like always playing around, this isn´t the first time something like this happens, so why know is the public opinion given like a pre war feeling. Is there a conspiracy theory? or perhaps that a high oficial from the departmant of defence from Iran is missing has something to do

J.cookson, Le, Le

The British Service personnel behaved correctly in order to save lives and cool down what could have been a very difficult incident without violence.

They will be released at some point with only pride being hurt,

The rest is now down to the diplomats, remember nobody died.

Terry Hook, Gloucester, UK

We'll send them a strongly worded note... doh!

Ed, London,

The west's egocentric attitude amuses me. Its sad to see so many misinformed people having their say on this forum. To begin with, Iran is not an unruly state. It is being projected by the American and British leadership as a brutal regime to justify its crusade in the Middle East. As far as I know, Iran has a democratic government, just like the governments in the US and the UK. And I don't think the Iranian government is irresponsible either. It is irresponsible to attack and destroy sovereign countries on false pretexts, which the Americans and British seem to have mastered by now.
I think you guys need to do some soul searching before passing on the blame on to others. It can not always be other countries' fault if the US or UK finds itself in trouble. Isn't it possible that the sailors were indeed in Iranian waters? Isn't it possible that they were indeed involved in some espionage activity? I think the odds of this possibility are quite high. Feel sorry for the sailors though.

Ash, Mumbai, India

No wonder the British lost the American War for Independence: bungling policies and poor fighting skills. Wales, Scotland, N. Ireland, and England should apply to be American states. Were it not for America's help, Britain would have lost WWI, WWII, and WWIII. You're well on the way to losing WWIII. Obsessing about soccer, and Prince Charles' oddities--while Rome burns.

kevin, Seatle, USA/Washington

Is it possible that the spine of England has been broken by an upstart dictator from an impovirished country?
Where is the Churchillian spirit that preserved England from the clutching hands of another dictator?.
Why has such a once great nation been reduced to pithy words of no substance?
Is there not a man or woman who can reserect the flag that once proudly proclaimed " we shall never surrender "?
Iran has made this once great empire a whimpering lion.
Where is the Wizard of Oz now that we need courage and a brain to make our flag fly proudly again?

John Graham, Cotati, USA California

I enjoyed the comment on the lion with no bite, and Nelson spinning in his grave,
just remember my sourthern friends if the British had more of a bite a few hundred years ago you would all be using dollors with the Queens head on it.

Iran is a country looking to take the mickey, they think they can get away with not listening to the U.N just because we dont. Well lets see eh!.
If they keep going up this route then i think they are going to get a tanning from Britain and her allies. I just hope i can get the time off from Kabul to be there.

Capt. M . Trevillion, kabul, afghanistan

It is nice to know that John Wayne is alive and well in the USA .All we have to do is go around blasting people who approach us.Why should our service people shoot at Iranians?Despite Bush we are not at war with Iran YET.The worlds super power? Only if you count the heroic invasion of Grenada and CIA backed murder squads,all else has been lost.Iran has not invaded anyone and as of yet our troops have more to fear from American friendly fire than from the Iranians.Sorry if I sound like an Iranian apologist,just trying to add a bit of ballance to the gung-ho comments.Its this attitude that got us where we are now and that is working fine isnt it.When did violence become the first resort?

JohnP, Newcastle, UK

What better way for Bush to stay in office after the 2008 elections. If we are at war with Iran, Bush can stay in office till its over ... Oh god not another 4+ years of Bush!! Please Iran ... Give Britan their soldiers back so we can get Bush out.

Robert, Portland, Or

Iran must maintain a full military alert and down any aircraft or missile incursion aggresively. This calling the bluff is important because the persian gulf manuver is hot air. The 15 brits are enemy combatants; including the overfed mom dangled before a gullible public. The enemy combatants must be interned individually, guantanamo style and tried by a military tribunal without lawyers. This is consistent with the recent norms coming out of the west.

joelvanhausen, nyc, US

Tony,

One big difference, the Iranians were in Iraq helping to kill U.S. and British troops. Your folks were in Iraqi waters.

Chuck, Gahanna, Ohio

Ohhhh... they are going to handle talks in a different way!! The Mullahs must be so frightened!!

Mariano, NYC, USA

The Iraelis went to War againt Lebanon for less and for all practical purposes they lost!
Surely the United States is not winning its War in Iraq.
Perhaps the Iranians would welcome a War with the US and its lap dog!
Can either country really sucessfully invade Iran?
Economically, another Oil War in the middle east might very well destroy the US economy.
Very clever these Iranians!
They may very well be in a win-win situation.
Think about it!

John Rinaldo, Long Beach, California

The sailors will be released soon. the iranians are just having their fun, while the U.S. is otherwise occupied in Iraq.Harmless.

k shepard, crown point , usa indiana

the capturing of 15 british marines and servicemen is an act of war by iran. it is time to declare war on iran and finish them all off once and for all.

mbruch, mornington, australia

I don't believe that Thatcher would have reacted in this "meek" manner.

Ben, Portland, Oregon/USA

I ............don't know.........it sounds to me like maybe something like ............extraordinary renditions?

I am really trying to figure out the difference between the kidnappings of the United States with the help of European countries such as Britian and these kidnappings by Iran.

We in the civilized world have come to the conclusion that in this age of nuclear weapons, you JUST cannot have this type of hypocrisy. The United States is the last country to understand this great blunder.

Peter R, Wash DC,

I sincerely hope that the 15 UK Navy personnel taken prisoner by the Iranians are freed soon. My heart goes to their families.
I have read some critical comments about the fact that the UK sailors and marines did not resist their captors.
Shame: we do not know what happened on the spot. As a former servicewoman, I urgue everyone to hold judgment on the patrol leader till those men and women are freed. May be there was no chance of effective resistence. When they come out, we will know the truth.
What is unimaginable is that HMS Cornwall was so far away that she could not protect her own crew on the boats. She should have been in range to give full support to the boats. That was a patrol in a war zone; not a picnic outing.

andrea, NYC, United States of America

Oh dear oh dear oh dear - once again the macho posturing of politicians - on all sides - leads us into more bloodshed and tragic losses for individuals, for families and for mankind in general. Will they EVER learn anything about the sanctity of human life? They're worse than small children squabbling in the playground. They all need their heads banging together until they see sense.... I suspect that is the day we shall flying pigs.

Malcolm, UK, Lymington, Hampshire, UK

as always it's the west's fault

no to appeasers, QLD, Australia

Iran's international credibility is in shambles. Who is going to believe Iran's claims British sailors were captured in ITS territorial waters when it had previously declared it was not working on a secret nuclear program either? Kidnapping British sailors is a propaganda stunt to keep popular opinion against the UN coalition high. It also causes frustration and places stress upon coalition govt's who have to respond to their citizens' demoralization and calls for military action and/or withdrawal, all while having to carefully negotiate for the release of hostages. Internationally, this incident underscores the reality that Iran continues to be THE rogue element in the Middle East. It's latest prepubescent bad behavior indicates an unabated interest in maintaining regional instability as a tactic towards its long term goal of establishing a shiite region which it alone dominates. Like a misbehaving child, Iran could use an international timeout. If that fails, then a good spanking.

Thomas, Atlanta, GA, USA

The US must release the Iranians they kidnapped.
Brits are not more important that Iranians, nobody covers the illegal kidnapping of Iranians, how strange.
Blair should shut up and go to the dentist, after he's done that he should leave Britain and take up permanent residency in the US or Israel, he is not welcome in the UK.

sarah, portsmouth, uk

the iranian dictatorship got away with it under carter...
they have ever since acted outside civilised norms....
what motive do they have to change?

abelard, cheam,

Iran's solution to everything is to take hostages. Militant Islam's solution to everything is to take hostages. Why? Because cowards take hostages. It is easy and with no honor. I think it is time the world heard the British Lion roar again. And with the American Eagle by its side. We have stood together against despotism for over a century...must we stop now? Islamo-Fascism is just another totalitarian tyranny that must be stopped. Ahmedinajad is another two bit dictator with delusions of grandeur. He is bringing the world closer to war. Stop blaming Bush and Blair, it was Hussein's secretive and suspicious behavior which prompted the invasion and now Ahmedinajad is acting just as suspiciously, except that now we KNOW he is working on nuclear weapons. When New York, Washington and London lay in atomic ruin, will we say "we could have done something". Will we?

Ed Nygma, Atlanta, Georgia

Bush now has an excuse to invade Iran to complete his 'dirty' job in Middle East.

Don Perera, Melbourne,

This is a Brutal regime in IRAN that have broken all conventions and follow no International legal obligations. Stop talking with the Iranians and send in the SAS. If Maggie Thatcher were still the Prime Mininster the 15 sailors would have been back home on Monday or several iranian air bases as well as army bases would be feeling the wrath of Britian.

JERRY MCCULLOUGH, St.Catharines, Ontario, Canada, CANADA

I am outraged but rather than second guess a junior officers on small boarding boats perhaps hoping to avoid a crisis, the focus of everyone's attention in the UK and the US is the immediate return of these British sailors. Iran is in the wrong. The UK has stood by the US and we should, and will, stand by them. The current unstable Iranian government will continue to test US and UK resolve as long as current day Chamberlains in the US and the UK worry more about keeping Iran publicly neutral then the safety of the our 15 coalition sailors. Iran is in the Iraq War. In delivers money, IEDs etc to both sides in a cynical attempt to destablize Iraq and injure the US. Perhaps a blockade of their bathtub navy and meaningful aid and weapons to Kurdish separatists in the North will help the current Ayatollahs to focus on Iran's failing economy and morally and theologically bankrupt ideology.

Robert Murphy, Binghamton, New York

What happened to the proud English Lion of the past that never would let this happen, Lord Admiral Nelson must be spinning in his grave!!! Have you my cousins from where I came from caught the PC desease or appeasement fever that ran through your continent back in the 30's once again? Iran did this on purpose for its internal and external politcal reasons, they are masters at this level of brinkmanship. They believe Europe and England is weak and has no stomach for anymore regardless of principle. Get your bearings now are it will be worse in the future, wheres is your new Winston Churchill that can lead and defend the principles of International Law let alone the honor of Great Britain.

randall, Virginia Beach, VA

In response to Mr Sheth's comments, History has shown that if bullies aren't stopped early, wars tend to cost many more than thousands of lives. The concept that is isn't worth sending British and American troops to liberate Iraq from its tyrannical government makes me feel ill. Most soldiers join the army to make a difference to the world, and they made a great difference with what history will come to look at is a mis-managed peace process.
Praying for forgiveness won't help as it is the concept of religion that has caused the mess the world is in at the moment. Lets not get started on sins as Mr Blair is Christian and probably has different criteria to other "creationists" around the world.
Mr Blair isn't trying to precipitate a war against Iran. It wasn't him who ordered the capture of the marines and it isn't him who is holding them as POWs right now. Iran is giving the Anglo-saxons plenty of reasons for conflict without any help. Lets not pretend they are the victimes here.

Alex, Montreal, Canada

Have you forgotten, or have you ever known, Iran has been in a cold war with the US since 1979. Remember the Iran Hostage Crisis? Being American, I am sad to see how cowardly and nearsighted we have become, We fear to share with the world the freedom our fathers died for. If you hate America so much, go fight for the Iranians, convert to Islam, and sacrifice what your fathers and grandfathers died for.

A Carpenter, Las Vegas,

Muhammad Sheth, be quiet. 15 British soldiers have essentially been kidnapped by a regime that simply likes causing trouble. They were trying to bully the west and picked on British soldiers because of their rules of engagement. If they're not returned immediately the British government would be letting down their soldiers if they didn't go get them in any way that is available to them.

Robert Cookson, Bradford,

Just to let you know that most of us here in the U.S. are very concerned and stand by you. We are as concerned about the British troops being held hostage as you in Britain are.

Our bonds are strong and not easily broken.

Rob Price, San Diego, California

Iran deservesthis.They have to realise they were no match with the super power countries!

Vinod, nj, usa

"There was no air cover at the time because a helicopter had just returned to HMS Cornwall after watching the successful boarding of a merchant vessel" ?!? Oh well that makes it alright then (!) ... the Royal Navy has made itself a laughing stock over its incompetence & inability to protect its own personnel. These sailors were not out there overseeing EU fishing zones for crying out loud, they were in highly dangerous waters.

Leslie, Guildford, Surrey

With all that military hardware in the Gulf, it is difficult to believe that adequate protection is not given to those boarding and inspecting ships. Certainly, the naval forces should ensure at all times that there is more than adequate resource available to repel the Iranians or any other threat. We, as civilians, expect that these things will be done properly. The Iranians should have been turned back and the Britons not captured. This is especially troubling since it is not the first time this has happened.

Bill, Western Canada, Canada

There is no excuse for allowing our servicemen to be kidnapped. The British personnel were clearly in Iraqi waters and this should be dealt with the same way any Kidnapping is dealt with, just on a larger scale.

It seems that the people really wanting a war here are the Iranians.

Sean, wiltshire, UK

Tong Blair and the British might have a lot more spine than Iran realizes. And they ought to realize that at this juncture, George Bush has absolutely nothing to lose, and will lend whatever support necessary to back Blair.It would be helpful for the British to release the exact GPS location when the Iranians grabbed the sailors as the credibility related to the intelligence that started the war is very suspect. If the exact position of the sailors prove beyond a shadow of a doubt they were grabbed in Iraqi waters, then all hell should break loose. There is little doubt the Iranians staged the intervention for some reason only known to them, but sooner or later, it is not going to be worth it to them. Don'f forget that the Americans and the British have the two best navies in the world, and the one military asset that is not over taxed is the navies, and they are operating under UN Mandate. I only wish that Maggie Thatcher was still the PM.

Bobby Taylor, clifton Forge, USA/Virginia

I dont remember Blair being to bothered about a UN mandate when he got us dragged into this situation.

I find myself in a very difficult position - quite frankly I think it is very possible we were in Iranian waters illegally and at time where we are closely allied to a power that is threatening them.

I think that Blair needs to negotiate with the Iranians for the servicemen/womens return despite his legacy wishes and how he likes to think himself or history perceiving him. It is about time Blair and Shrub started to deliver something from the mess they have delivered us in the Middle East that does not involve escalation.

Marc, Singapore,

speak softly, but carry a big stick.

maybe its time to use it, or risk being a toothless lion.

such was the case with czechoslovakia 70 years ago, and we all know what happened next. history repeating itself?

Paul, London,

Seems that once again the Brits are doing Bush's dirty work!! Changing world opinion of the BAD guys!

Arvin, London, UK

Perhaps 'our guys' as the Lieutenant-Commander puts it, thought it would be best to co-operate with the armed Iranian officials than to gun battle their way out. Considering their position, it may have been suicide for them to do so. It may have instigated into a violent conflict and involve more British Sailors than necessary. Ah thats the point.

Well we all know where this is all going then.

Chris, Essex, UK

Why didn’t your guys defend themselves?
This is a very good question.

Gibbs, huntsville , Texas/ USA

The United Stats and Britain have all the appearance of initiating a war with Iran. Both fading politicians, Bush and Blair, would welcome the distraction.

Bill Williams, Sun City West, AZ, usa

Really? Pressure on Iran from Britain. What pressure?? Perhaps the Marines and sailors should have offered some token of resistance or does that violate "policy"?

AG, WA, USA

Where's the outrage? For some reason it has been muted in the United States. And why did the troops just surrender? I would like to see Iran try that with American troops. It would be a very quick wakeup call.

Joey Bee, Tampa, FL - US

I agree that the British military should have defended itself and not allowed Iran to take them prisoner.

E Moucatel, Orlando, FL

Maybe they did it to divert attention. Such as a ship full of serious contraband ready to go as soon as everyone was preoccupied with the capture.

Jake, Seattle, U.S.

Abduction of service personnel is a 2-way street and it appears from media reports that Iran was not the first to enter it, having more than the publicized five al-Qud operatives lifted by CIA in various locations. Unsurprising, then, that Iran retaliates in this public way. Also unsurprising is that the RMs did not fire on the Iranian patrol vessels - Britain and Iran are not at war and they were not fired upon themselves as the Iranians approached. US rules of engagement may differ with regard to friendly powers.

Tony Gold, Southbourned, UK

PM Tony Blair is overstepping his bounds in trying to precipitate yet another war on Iran and by extension on Islam. One would think that he would realise that the England's sun has already set following the lies that the British government fabricated to prop up a war position of another country. After a war that resulted in killing of thousands of innocent human beings - Americans, British and Iraqis amongst them - he should be hiding his face in shame and disgust and praying for forgiveness of his sins before it is too late. It is time to say that we blundered aimlessly and make an exit ASAP and apologise to the world. We do not have any face left to save.

Muhammad Sheth, NY, USA

how convenient bush wanted a war, the British were willing to oblige.

noway, britan,