I suspect that they had been given strict instructions not to fire on Iranians without contacting HQ first.
You're sadly probably right. Too bad the HMS Cornwall couldn't had just moved into those waters and got between the Iranians and the dinghies. Then again, I don't know how far off they were.
Still, the time to react was then, and is now gone, no?
suspect that they had been given strict instructions not to fire..."
But, Iraq being a War Zone, I'm sure they have the right to fire in self defense. Especialy Naval forces as they are HUGE national assests. OK, deployed in a dinghy muddies those waters; LOL.