Iran... ok, now we have a problem.

[Aliantha]

It would seem that the Brits were conducting a search which A) may have been illegal and B) could very likely have been in an area out of their jusdiction.

If this is the case, the Iranians were simply following international law as it stands. In any case, I'd say it's unlikely to escalate beyond a bit of petty name calling by people who're not likely to affect the outcome of events anyway.

[tw]

Originally Posted by Aliantha

It would seem that the Brits were conducting a search which A) may have been illegal and B) could very likely have been in an area out of their jusdiction.

The Iraq government says their own fisherman said the Brits were out of Iraq waters. However the Brits were captured by what would be the equivalent of US National Guard operated by state churches. It is not certain who to believe.

Apparently these Brits have been taken to Tehran - maybe 1000 miles away. This could be just to have them separated from Islamic Guards, or to prepare for their release to the British Embassy. However, last time this happened, British Iranian relations were not so tense and cold. It may take a month to resolve this minor and, quite frankly, still only trivial situation.