A fair assessment. But the Khamenini faction saw that the hostage incident was causing them to fall on the anti-government side. One commentator put it that though the Brits lacked military punch, they could inflict severe economic pain onto an already hurting Iranian economy (source for a significant number of anti-government elements)do to the existing trade ties. The fact that Imanutjob acted on such an overt act suggests that he thinks he is losing the power struggle with Khameini. This act did give him initial leverage. That leverage did not stand the test of time and now the hostages are home. Will that desperation push the envelope further?
We watch. And wait.