Re: UK sailors captured at gunpoint
I agree with Mad Scientist that those British sailors were not in Iranian waters and Iran just captured them and Ahmedinijad just made them into a show piece for Iranians that the Mighty Persians can bring the Western powers like UK to its knees.
However, Iran by doing this has raised the stakes. The next time the British will go to inspect these Ships, they will be very heavily armed and if some IRGC tries to become a hero to arrest these British Sailors, it would lead to a clash between the Royal Navy and Iranian Navy.
If USA troops were the one arrested, it could have led to an all out war.
Iran by doing this has raised the stakes and any such mis-understanding in the future could be perceived as hostile actions on either party.
The world is certainly more dangerous place after this event has occurred.