[Alas Babylon!]

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?

[Sender]

Yes, it's too bad that the moment passed and control of the situation was lost. Of course, it could have gone badly had they started firing too.

I wonder if the rules of engagement have been changed since this incident? I'm sure a lot of seagoing Brits are anxious not to repeat this.