I agree, there needs to be a no-nonsense diplomatic warning with the naval forces armed to the teeth and ready to rumble to back it up. In follow-up, the Brit destroyer designated to back-up the kidnapped inspection teams could not go to them because the water was too shallow and was unable to provide support from their position in time. Bet the Iranians had been keeping that operation under surveillance for a while looking for a reason to strike realizing British inability to stop them.
I don't believe this is the case.
They had other resources available, a helicopter is one and other inflatables. They didn't act due to their ROE.
A destroyer is a shallow draft vessel and I expect the dhow loaded with automobiles was deeper in the water than the destroyer.