British rules of engagement were very much de-escalatory, because we dont want wars starting "
Yeah, that always works.
I have said it on another thread but.....
It is my understanding that there were up to six Iranian boats that had surrounded the Brits. If the Cornwall had openned fire on them, there would have been many Iranian casualties plus 15 dead Brits. The Cornwall would not have been able to extinguish all six boats. The Iranians were heavily armed and would have taken out the Brits after the first shots were fired by HMS Cornwall.
Just my two cents worth.