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More Pressure On Iran
Brits examine options as Iran parades hostages, promises release of female sailor
Iran has effectively become isolated from the international community following the seizure of 15 Royal Navy personnel.
It is understood that British prime minister Tony Blair would prefer all hostages to be released by channels of diplomacy.
But Mr Blair is also using the means of former American president Teddy Roosevelt (president 1901-9) who said: "Speak softly, but carry a big stick".
The British prime minister has a lot of people on his side: the US, the EU, senior members of the Commonwealth, and, exceptionally, Russia and China. And Iraq, who have stated that the frigate HMS Cornwall (base of the hostages) was in Iraqi waters.
Some political commentators say the options for the release of the total of British captives are limited.
This is not true.
The UK has the opportunity to expel all Iranian diplomats (and spies - MI5 knows where they are) immediately.
Already there is a huge presence of Royal Navy vessels (including two nuclear-attack submarines) in the Gulf. They are stationed in international waters but within easy striking distance of Tehran.
The Americans are helping by mounting a massive naval exercise in the same area. This includes two aircraft carriers, a dozen warships and over 100
fighter-bombers. A Russian media source claims that there has been an increased US build-up in the Gulf region, the greatest since before the invasion of Iraq four years ago. Of course, the Russian intelligence source may not be reliable, but it adds to the pressure on Tehran and London.
Blair is being firm but fair. He has said that if all the hostages are not released by tomorrow "we will move into a "different phase". After that, he said the British government may have to become "more explicit". Now he says we have to "ratchet up" the pressure on
Iran.
These statements are as close as you get to a declaration of war.
The British Ministry of Defence has now shown GPS-satellite photographs and data that prove that the Royal Navy were within 1.7 nautical miles inside Iraqi waters.
Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is known to be fond of aggression and confrontation. Well, now he has a lot of both from the other side on his hands.
Under such pressure, Tehran says it will release the one female sailor from HMS Cornwall. Earlier today, Tehran broadcast footage of an interview with sailor Faye Turney, who "admitted" that the British boats had "trespassed" in Iran's waters. Later, footage of the others was released: The sailors are shown in their uniforms. None appear to be harmed: Faye Turney said in her interview that they have been very well looked after.
The UK has announced it has suspended bilateral contacts with Iran pending the release of all hostages.
