Can Britain do anything about the 15 British sailors and marines held prisoner in Iran?

Answer 1

Whilst being unable to anything direct, such as staging a rescue, Britain can raise the pressure on Iran through the UN security council and its close alliance with the US, this should be sufficient enough to give the Iranian Hard liners food for thought and perhaps even cause a release of the prisoners.

If not, the UK in alliance with the US is in a position to impose a blockade on Iran which would further the recent UN backed sanctions.

Answer 2

Not really, no.

There is no real possibility of a Special Forces rescue for a variety of reasons.

The only real thing they can do is say "Either return them, or we will destroy you." - and then follow through.

What's GOING to happen is that Britain will give Iran something nice and then get their troopers back after some sort of show trial. Just like the last time.

This is what happens when you keep rewarding kidnappers and terrorists rather than killing them.

Orion

EDIT: For those suggesting 'UN Pressure' - Iran's been under lots of sanctions and UN threats and they just added more. You'll notice just how very effective those sanctions are. Look at the example of Iraq for how useful UN Sanctions and Pressure are. Years of constant violations by France, Germany, Russia, and China - They're useless.

Answer 3

The capture of the British military personnel presented Iran with a powerful bargaining chip. Can Britain go against Washington and make their own deal or will Britain go against its own public opinion and leave these people to tender mercies ?

Answer 4

For one Britan doesn't need our help if they decided to go in with force to get them. I think a special forces recovery is possible if they can be located. They've done it before. If they feel they need the Americans help all they have to do is ask or accept an offer of help which Im sure we've already given to them.

Countries like this keep crying about not being treated right and now this? wonder why now? Idiots..

Answer 5

not much right now can be done I'd say.
as a Scot, who believes the Iraq war was illegal, and doesn't want anything to do with the "British Army" I however have to say that Iran has broke the rules.
if the UK government act, then tensions with Iran and the UK Willl increase, causing god knows what...
the UK wil have to play it safe, for now anyways, by not using their army mite, but talking to the Iranian government and the Iranian army that took the 15 sailors.
Iran is only doing this so it doesn't appear weak to Europe, and America, as our sanctions are making them look like it.
Its all about Iran pride...

Answer 6

They should launch a daring special forces mission deep into Iran to rescue them. There is an excellent precedent in the US's experience during the Iran hostage crisis. I recommend the SAS follow that example to the tee.

Answer 7

overlook the Carter/Reagan stuff or liberal/conservative talk. in keeping with Iraq, it rather is going to be sparkling invading Iran isn't in our ultimate pastime. Iran is thrice the dimensions with 6 cases the army as Iraq. they are actually not a probability. there is not any reason to spend American blood and treasury on it.

Answer 8

the only thing to do is negotiate, if britain thinks "never underestimate the enemy" then already britain is in deep shi't. they arent an enemy yet! talk talk and then talk again. i watched an interview on the news this morning on bbc1 where the former 1st sea lord more or less called the iranians children. with that attitude dont be suprised if britain gets them back minus their heads. my prayers are with the families of the marines and navy personell but also with iran. after all both sides were only doing their job. only 2 men can get them home safe, one is british, tony benn the other irish, gerry adams. threatening war is the stupidest thing to do.

Answer 9

Lets just suppose that a boat full of Iranian special forces was spotted outside dover.......How do you think our country would have reacted.....

We would have forcebly detained them...taken them to london....theatern to put them on trial....I dont think so......

So lets stop ***** footing around send in the yanks, and get rid of another stupid ruler of another pathetic country...with idiotic ideals.....

OOOhhh the west don't scare us....Untill the tanks role over the border and they all surender and run away.....****ing idiots.

PS Release our service men you no good T*w*a*t*s

Answer 10

the time is nye america and britain are only waiting for an excuse it seems iran has now provided that

could this be a set up for the excuse to be used