What is so stupid about using the location of the merchant vessel is that it is the location of the gunboats, at the time of the apprehension, that is in question. This is complicated by the fact that the gunboats seem to have lost contact with the Cornwall. I'd like to know more details about the helicopter. Did it see the Iranian boats approaching? Did they approach from Iranian water or Iraqi water? Why is it that the Iranian boats were so difficult to detect if they were in Iraqi water? Why wasn't there enought time for the Brits to flee deeper into Iraqi water?

Too many unanswered questions.

And no, I don't think it can be called excessive force in the face of sanctions. Why is it Iran is condemned for fighting back by taking hostages? Is it O.K. to make a nation suffer economically but its not O.K. to grab 15 hostages in a disputed territory? How do most people (nations) react when bullied and threatened?

Iran fought back when everyone else thought they would back down. Obviously, sanctions aren't working in this situation. Why? Because Israel wants to be the only nuclear power in the region. Is that fair? Either all countries disarm or a balance of power is required.