Because Iran was able to keep the equipment. I'm not dissing the Brits, I have only admiration and respect for your military. It's counting coup. They hit you and took something of yours. You only got part of it back. PLEASE don't be offended. It's how ISLAMOSTS - have I told you that Islamists are just as brain damaged as any other Democrat - think?
They've done it to us before too, you'll recall.
I see what you mean. Don't worry, I'm not offended :-) Blair's involvement in this incident (and the manner of his language) suggest to me that the current situation may take longer to resolve. I don't think that the Iranians will be able to extract anything from the British government, but they might keep the equipment again!
Lets hope that the UK and US will be able to look back on such incidents ten years from now living in far more peaceful world!