stigweard - No, I do not believe Britain would "go it alone" and invade Iran. I do believe that they would try to get the U.N., the E.U. and the U.S. to fight the battle for (with) them.

Keith and Blindlemon - Iran knows that Saddam (Iraq) wanted to take that waterway. For the same reasons the U.S./Britain would want that waterway for the present day Iraq. In fact, if they are planning war with Iran, it is strategically important. Iran, on the other hand, would want to make sure that they control that waterway for defense.

Its a sensitive area. British sailors have been abducted there before. Why was Britain have to go anywhere near Iranian territory? They knew the risks. Why did the Cornwall and the helicopter leave the British sailors so vulnerable in such disputed territory?