why do you wish to pretend that a defense wasnt possible???
I have a question: Do you believe that this was a setup by the Iranians? (I do)
If it was a 'setup', then the logical thing to do is have the target dhow be part of the exercise -- that way you, the kidnappers, control a major loose end. I mean imagine their (the Iranian's) surprise if the dhow was smuggling RPG's & the Brits found them -- then a defense could be mounted without question.
I have no evidence that the dhow was part of the plot, but it seems logical from a tactics standpoint.
I recall from more than one early article that the large vessel with the cars aboard had been anchored in the same spot for 5 days previous, within Iraqi waters.
5 days is probably not the norm in the area.....if the 5 day story is true, I’d be curious as to what prompted the inspection on the 5th day after being left alone for that long.......incoming bogue intel would certainly do it, I suppose....
Or perhaps some activity that served as bait, once the IRGC ducks were in a row?