First, they were in rubber boats too far away from "iron" to help them. Would that be a legitimate mission? If they had boarded a ship to inspect it, where was it? Who was it? Where was the ship from which they launched? Why didn't it see them and help? Why isn't the mother ship and boarded ship information being used to validate the international waters claim? It said that the Brits knew of the hazards from a prior incident. Why didn't it take measures to protect these people if it could? If the mission was legitimate?

Second, why would the Iranians provoke an incident at this stage of the game? I think they just want to get along if they can.

Third, there are reports of clandestine operations being conducted inside Iran. I wouldn't believe anyone if they told me there weren't. Were these folks scampering out of there?

Fourth, there would be tracking navigational equipment (GPSs at a minimum) on the boats and persons of the Brits. Their whereabouts would have to be known to them, absolutely, completely and in real-time in that area.

Fifth, I do wonder about the woman on the mission if it were clandestine. Maybe she was a boat driver, tasked to stay in the region with the boat ready to go. It would make sense she could be a member of a boarding party, or boat driver for a boarding party, too.

Sixth, there will be so much nonsense flying around from both sides it's going to be impossible for someone who gets their information from either side to know. Especially that which is released to the media.

Arf