Monday, March 26, 2007

Iran interrogates captured British soldiers

And why hasn't their been any sort of response yet?

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran said Monday it was interrogating 15 British sailors and marines to determine whether they intentionally entered Iranian waters. Britain denies its personnel had left Iraqi territory when they were captured and detained by Iran.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair ‘s office sought to play down fears that the incident would deepen tensions with Iran, which threatened to charge the 15 with illegally entering its territory.

The seizure of the British service personnel has deepened troubles between Iran and the West, which is concerned about Iran‘s nuclear program and accused the country of interfering with the U.S.-led war in Iraq .

According to Iranian state television, Deputy Foreign Minister Mehzi Mostafavi did not say what Iran plans to do with the sailors and marines, but he said they were being interrogated.

He said the British government was accountable for the group‘s actions.

Iran rejected British requests to visit them, warning they could face charges for allegedly entering Iranian waters — charges that Blair‘s office has repeatedly rejected.

Britain‘s Defense Ministry would not disclose details of positioning equipment carried aboard the craft that sailors were using when they were seized, but said it was "categorically certain" they had not strayed into Iranian territory.


As much as I'm a fan of Tony Blair, he hasn't adequately responded to this. This is in every sense, an act of war. Diplomatic talks while a great option, shouldn't be the only option. Perhaps a naval blockade or a precision strike on a republican guard training compound... Something that says these soldiers lives are more important than some soundbites and a couple rounds of diplomatic talks. Their capture deserves swift a decisive action.

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