It's not the Brit's that they want to engage. It is us, and it is intended to be used as a bargaining tool, or better said a hostage exchange to get back some Iranian agents that are being held, (by the Iraqi's, I believe) or have disappeared in Iraq over the last couple of months..
The word hostage, and POW are interchangeable, and this could easily escalate. all you need do, is change the word.
This has not yet escalated, but it has all the signs of doing so. We do have a Cold War going on with Iran. We will have one within 24-36 hours, if Iran does not back out of this.
The difference between a Cold war and a Hot war is only in the amount of expended ordinance.
I disagree with you. I don't think much will happen.
Guess we will see however.
Regards,
AR