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[BazaJT]

A Royal Navy warship placed herself between a British tanker and some Iranian gunboats in the Gulf of Hormuz[reportedly training her guns on them but not firing]This it seems is an attempt by the Iranians to seize the tanker in retaliation for our"Piracy" when Marines boarded and seized an Iranian tanker off the coast of Gibraltar which was suspected of breaching EU sanctions.

[STEMO]

Israel is being very quiet. 

[Varche]

How will it end?  We will have to send our aircraft carrier........

Best keep tank full on any gas guzzlers out there.

[STEMO]

How will it end?  We will have to send our aircraft carrier........

Best keep tank full on any gas guzzlers out there.

Can't send our carrier, it's sprung a leak. 
Besides, it's not for actual fighting, it's for showing what big boys we are.

[Lizzie Zoom]

The TV reports also stated that it was the USA that had requested the British to engage the Royal Navy to engage with the Iranian gun boats..

We know of course that the USA is in the process of putting together an "International Protection Fleet" to protect all shipping, especially tankers, from the Iranians and others who may try and stop them

[STEMO]

The TV reports also stated that it was the USA that had requested the British to engage the Royal Navy to engage with the Iranian gun boats..

We know of course that the USA is in the process of putting together an "International Protection Fleet" to protect all shipping, especially tankers from the Iranians and others who may try and stop them

Countries could easily be persuaded to join a 'coalition' with the US at one time, not so sure now. If any Europeans join in, there goes the notion of them supporting the nuclear deal.

[Lizzie Zoom]

The TV reports also stated that it was the USA that had requested the British to engage the Royal Navy to engage with the Iranian gun boats..

We know of course that the USA is in the process of putting together an "International Protection Fleet" to protect all shipping, especially tankers from the Iranians and others who may try and stop them

Countries could easily be persuaded to join a 'coalition' with the US at one time, not so sure now. If any Europeans join in, there goes the notion of them supporting the nuclear deal.

According to various sources, Iran has now, or is about to, breach the storage limits of enriched uranium as agreed by the signatures of that treaty, which then included the USA.

So, in short we are still going through increasingly dangerous times.

What will the European nations do, or can do?  We shall see, or not see!

Looks like it could be down to the USA and Britain to step up to the mark

[STEMO]

The TV reports also stated that it was the USA that had requested the British to engage the Royal Navy to engage with the Iranian gun boats..

We know of course that the USA is in the process of putting together an "International Protection Fleet" to protect all shipping, especially tankers from the Iranians and others who may try and stop them

Countries could easily be persuaded to join a 'coalition' with the US at one time, not so sure now. If any Europeans join in, there goes the notion of them supporting the nuclear deal.

According to various sources, Iran has now, or is about to, breach the storage limits of enriched uranium as agreed by the signatures of that treaty, which then included the USA.

So, in short we are still going through increasingly dangerous times.

The world has always been, is and always will be 'a dangerous place'. We cannot let this stop us going about our business, and hand wringing serves no purpose whatsoever.
Put yourself 100 miles up in space, looking down at our pathetic behaviour, and you'll soon realise that sooner or later...........BANG!!!!

[Lizzie Zoom]

The TV reports also stated that it was the USA that had requested the British to engage the Royal Navy to engage with the Iranian gun boats..

We know of course that the USA is in the process of putting together an "International Protection Fleet" to protect all shipping, especially tankers from the Iranians and others who may try and stop them

Countries could easily be persuaded to join a 'coalition' with the US at one time, not so sure now. If any Europeans join in, there goes the notion of them supporting the nuclear deal.

According to various sources, Iran has now, or is about to, breach the storage limits of enriched uranium as agreed by the signatures of that treaty, which then included the USA.

So, in short we are still going through increasingly dangerous times.

The world has always been, is and always will be 'a dangerous place'. We cannot let this stop us going about our business, and hand wringing serves no purpose whatsoever.
Put yourself 100 miles up in space, looking down at our pathetic behaviour, and you'll soon realise that sooner or later...........BANG!!!!

That has been the case since 1945.

The difference is now there are far more unstable countries, with unstable leaders, and equipped with nuclear resources.

Apocalypse has been predicted many times, so who knows..........................................?? 

[Varche]

The TV reports also stated that it was the USA that had requested the British to engage the Royal Navy to engage with the Iranian gun boats..

We know of course that the USA is in the process of putting together an "International Protection Fleet" to protect all shipping, especially tankers from the Iranians and others who may try and stop them

Countries could easily be persuaded to join a 'coalition' with the US at one time, not so sure now. If any Europeans join in, there goes the notion of them supporting the nuclear deal.

According to various sources, Iran has now, or is about to, breach the storage limits of enriched uranium as agreed by the signatures of that treaty, which then included the USA.

So, in short we are still going through increasingly dangerous times.

What will the European nations do, or can do?  We shall see, or not see!

Looks like it could be down to the USA and Britain to step up to the mark

What little old insignificant Britain being asked to stop the tanker near Gib and look after this tanker in the Straits of Hormuz. Who would have thunk that especially after all the talk Britain down rhetoric from the Remainers that the UK is like a banana republic just above Haiti in the ranks.

As for the rest of Europe well has anyone heard a peep? Their official line is still to try and broker a deal with Iran. Plus they are too busy choosing undemocratically , their new leaders.

I feel a tad sorry for Joe public in Iran with all the sanctions but the solution lays in the hands of their leaders.

Suggesting sending our aircraft carrier was humour. Notwithstanding leaks , has it even got operation worthy planes.

Where does Israel fit in with this?

[Sir Tigger KC]

Suggesting sending our aircraft carrier was humour. Notwithstanding leaks , has it even got operation worthy planes.

Nor ships to protect it as QE and PoW were originally destined for the new EU navy. 

[LC0112G]

What little old insignificant Britain being asked to stop the tanker near Gib and look after this tanker in the Straits of Hormuz. Who would have thunk that especially after all the talk Britain down rhetoric from the Remainers that the UK is like a banana republic just above Haiti in the ranks.

AIUI the tanker is the BP owned "British Heritage", which is registered in the Isle Of Man so entitled to protection from the Royal Navy. That's one of the primary reasons the RN was formed - to protect the British merchant fleet. If the Yanks got intelligence that some Iranian up to no good was about to happen, and there was a RN presence in the area, then I'd bloody well hope they pass that info on to HMG and appropriate action is taken. The yanks don't have to tell us where the info came from, spy satellites, drones, ELINT etc, but we should be thankful they shared it with us.

If there had been no RN presence then it's up to the rules of engagement of whatever assets were in the area, and their chain of command, as to what happens next. Often that is nothing, as was the case with the two tankers a few weeks ago. The US obviously had 'eyes-on' but on that occasion chose not to respond with lethal force. If the tankers had been US flagged things would have been different.

If the merchant ship is sailing under a different flag, then it's up to that country to sort their mess out. If the ship had been Panamanian for instance, I doubt HMS Montrose would have intervened so swiftly - and it's anyones guess if the USN would have reacted.

[STEMO]

The TV reports also stated that it was the USA that had requested the British to engage the Royal Navy to engage with the Iranian gun boats..

We know of course that the USA is in the process of putting together an "International Protection Fleet" to protect all shipping, especially tankers from the Iranians and others who may try and stop them

Countries could easily be persuaded to join a 'coalition' with the US at one time, not so sure now. If any Europeans join in, there goes the notion of them supporting the nuclear deal.

According to various sources, Iran has now, or is about to, breach the storage limits of enriched uranium as agreed by the signatures of that treaty, which then included the USA.

So, in short we are still going through increasingly dangerous times.

What will the European nations do, or can do?  We shall see, or not see!

Looks like it could be down to the USA and Britain to step up to the mark

What little old insignificant Britain being asked to stop the tanker near Gib and look after this tanker in the Straits of Hormuz. Who would have thunk that especially after all the talk Britain down rhetoric from the Remainers that the UK is like a banana republic just above Haiti in the ranks.

As for the rest of Europe well has anyone heard a peep? Their official line is still to try and broker a deal with Iran. Plus they are too busy choosing undemocratically , their new leaders.

I feel a tad sorry for Joe public in Iran with all the sanctions but the solution lays in the hands of their leaders.

Suggesting sending our aircraft carrier was humour. Notwithstanding leaks , has it even got operation worthy planes.

Where does Israel fit in with this?

Israel has said it will never allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. If it thinks it has the raw materials.......well, we all know what Israel will do. With America's permission......maybe.

[Lizzie Zoom]

What little old insignificant Britain being asked to stop the tanker near Gib and look after this tanker in the Straits of Hormuz. Who would have thunk that especially after all the talk Britain down rhetoric from the Remainers that the UK is like a banana republic just above Haiti in the ranks.

AIUI the tanker is the BP owned "British Heritage", which is registered in the Isle Of Man so entitled to protection from the Royal Navy. That's one of the primary reasons the RN was formed - to protect the British merchant fleet. If the Yanks got intelligence that some Iranian up to no good was about to happen, and there was a RN presence in the area, then I'd bloody well hope they pass that info on to HMG and appropriate action is taken. The yanks don't have to tell us where the info came from, spy satellites, drones, ELINT etc, but we should be thankful they shared it with us.

If there had been no RN presence then it's up to the rules of engagement of whatever assets were in the area, and their chain of command, as to what happens next. Often that is nothing, as was the case with the two tankers a few weeks ago. The US obviously had 'eyes-on' but on that occasion chose not to respond with lethal force. If the tankers had been US flagged things would have been different.

If the merchant ship is sailing under a different flag, then it's up to that country to sort their mess out. If the ship had been Panamanian for instance, I doubt HMS Montrose would have intervened so swiftly - and it's anyones guess if the USN would have reacted.

Yes, and according to the BBC, it was an American reconnaissance aircraft who spotted the problem developing and communicated with the Royal Navy ship

This must now be one of the most watched areas of the World!

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

Latest Ive heard just now is that a RN helicopter has been sent to circle the Iranian ships.

[Lizzie Zoom]

Have found this online:

https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/news-content-hub/what-we-know-about-detained-iranian-tanker-grace-1-55529

Written in an "academic" online organisations publication, Riviera Open.

If it is true, there is a few interesting pointers to what led up to today's events over just the last few days.

[Doctor Gollum]

What little old insignificant Britain being asked to stop the tanker near Gib and look after this tanker in the Straits of Hormuz. Who would have thunk that especially after all the talk Britain down rhetoric from the Remainers that the UK is like a banana republic just above Haiti in the ranks.

AIUI the tanker is the BP owned "British Heritage", which is registered in the Isle Of Man so entitled to protection from the Royal Navy. That's one of the primary reasons the RN was formed - to protect the British merchant fleet. If the Yanks got intelligence that some Iranian up to no good was about to happen, and there was a RN presence in the area, then I'd bloody well hope they pass that info on to HMG and appropriate action is taken. The yanks don't have to tell us where the info came from, spy satellites, drones, ELINT etc, but we should be thankful they shared it with us.

If there had been no RN presence then it's up to the rules of engagement of whatever assets were in the area, and their chain of command, as to what happens next. Often that is nothing, as was the case with the two tankers a few weeks ago. The US obviously had 'eyes-on' but on that occasion chose not to respond with lethal force. If the tankers had been US flagged things would have been different.

If the merchant ship is sailing under a different flag, then it's up to that country to sort their mess out. If the ship had been Panamanian for instance, I doubt HMS Montrose would have intervened so swiftly - and it's anyones guess if the USN would have reacted.

Yes, and according to the BBC, it was an American reconnaissance aircraft who spotted the problem developing and communicated with the Royal Navy ship

This must now be one of the most watched areas of the World!

After Love Island 

[STEMO]

What little old insignificant Britain being asked to stop the tanker near Gib and look after this tanker in the Straits of Hormuz. Who would have thunk that especially after all the talk Britain down rhetoric from the Remainers that the UK is like a banana republic just above Haiti in the ranks.

AIUI the tanker is the BP owned "British Heritage", which is registered in the Isle Of Man so entitled to protection from the Royal Navy. That's one of the primary reasons the RN was formed - to protect the British merchant fleet. If the Yanks got intelligence that some Iranian up to no good was about to happen, and there was a RN presence in the area, then I'd bloody well hope they pass that info on to HMG and appropriate action is taken. The yanks don't have to tell us where the info came from, spy satellites, drones, ELINT etc, but we should be thankful they shared it with us.

If there had been no RN presence then it's up to the rules of engagement of whatever assets were in the area, and their chain of command, as to what happens next. Often that is nothing, as was the case with the two tankers a few weeks ago. The US obviously had 'eyes-on' but on that occasion chose not to respond with lethal force. If the tankers had been US flagged things would have been different.

If the merchant ship is sailing under a different flag, then it's up to that country to sort their mess out. If the ship had been Panamanian for instance, I doubt HMS Montrose would have intervened so swiftly - and it's anyones guess if the USN would have reacted.

Yes, and according to the BBC, it was an American reconnaissance aircraft who spotted the problem developing and communicated with the Royal Navy ship

This must now be one of the most watched areas of the World!

After Love Island 

[Sir Tigger KC]

Regarding the Iranian tanker that was seized by 'Royal Marines' off Gibraltar recently. 

If it was carrying oil from Iran to Syria as alleged, what was it doing going through the Straights of Gibraltar, as surely it should have passed through the Suez Canal? 

Unless it was trying slip under the radar by taking the long way round the Cape?   

Anyone?    It's niggling me!   

[LC0112G]

Regarding the Iranian tanker that was seized by 'Royal Marines' off Gibraltar recently. 

If it was carrying oil from Iran to Syria as alleged, what was it doing going through the Straights of Gibraltar, as surely it should have passed through the Suez Canal? 

Unless it was trying slip under the radar by taking the long way round the Cape?   

Anyone?    It's niggling me!   

Various rumors, but the most likely to me seems to be this one :

https://en.radiofarda.com/a/why-iran-supertanker-took-a-much-longer-route-to-reach-syria-/30038586.html

Basically, the oil carried in the tanker is heavier than normal, which makes the tanker float too "deep" to pass through the Suez Canal. No doubt Barnacle Bill the ex-Sailors amongst us will be able to explain the correct technical words for "float" and too "deep" soon. Bit like pointy end and blunt end of a boat doesn't go down very well in the navy :-)

[Doctor Gollum]

Regarding the Iranian tanker that was seized by 'Royal Marines' off Gibraltar recently. 

If it was carrying oil from Iran to Syria as alleged, what was it doing going through the Straights of Gibraltar, as surely it should have passed through the Suez Canal? 

Unless it was trying slip under the radar by taking the long way round the Cape?   

Anyone?    It's niggling me!   

They share a perfectly good land border with Turkey

That said, an Iranian oil tanker in the Med is always going to be on the suspicious side of curious

[Sir Tigger KC]

Sounds plausible thanks. 

Interesting that the article notes that other European countries have been silent on the UK acting in accordance with EU sanctions.

They share a perfectly good land border with Turkey

That said, an Iranian oil tanker in the Med is always going to be on the suspicious side of curious

I doubt that Turkey for all Erdogan's bluster would want to upset both the US and EU by assisting Iran to break sanctions. 

[Doctor Gollum]

I wonder if Cem has finished painting his car yet

Be interested to hear his view on that...

[Varche]

Yes, paging cem to the forum. His contributions are missed.

[Varche]

Couple of developments.

First is we are sending a third warship to the area. Part of a planned exercise but Iran wont see it as that.

More disturbing is the lack of news over the small tanker that went missing last night. Radio silence today. It was on Sky news around 11.30 . Might be summat or nowt.

[Doctor Gollum]

Couple of developments.

First is we are sending a third warship to the area. Part of a planned exercise but Iran wont see it as that.

More disturbing is the lack of news over the small tanker that went missing last night. Radio silence today. It was on Sky news around 11.30 . Might be summat or nowt.

Try Aliaga

[Lizzie Zoom]

Regarding the Iranian tanker that was seized by 'Royal Marines' off Gibraltar recently. 

If it was carrying oil from Iran to Syria as alleged, what was it doing going through the Straights of Gibraltar, as surely it should have passed through the Suez Canal? 

Unless it was trying slip under the radar by taking the long way round the Cape?   

Anyone?    It's niggling me!   

Various rumors, but the most likely to me seems to be this one :

https://en.radiofarda.com/a/why-iran-supertanker-took-a-much-longer-route-to-reach-syria-/30038586.html

Basically, the oil carried in the tanker is heavier than normal, which makes the tanker float too "deep" to pass through the Suez Canal. No doubt Barnacle Bill the ex-Sailors amongst us will be able to explain the correct technical words for "float" and too "deep" soon. Bit like pointy end and blunt end of a boat doesn't go down very well in the navy :-)

Yes, I looked into this just after all this became news, and have been watching it since,

In short the vessels that can transit though the Canal are classed as being Suezmax vessels which are withing the various restrictions on size, that is mainly in terms of beam (width) and draft (depth), which in the case of tankers is the crucial elements given their usually large proportions, along with the normal max load of 1 million barrels, which brings them under the draft limit.

Now in short, and is a complicated situation, the limit of Draft is 20.1 metres, or 66 feet.  The Grace 1 tanker that is subject to this situation would not normally be able to transit the Canal with a full load as she is not classed as a Suezmax vessel, as it is outside the normal restrictions, with 2.1 million barrels of light crude oil (equivalent to 2 million barrels of fuel oil) on board, giving her a draft of 22.5 metres.  Normally, apparently, this size of vessel unloads her cargo of oils, crude oil, light crude, or fuel oil, out at sea as she, a vessel of over 20 years old, is prohibited from many ports, so unloads to Suezmax tankers carrying 1 million barrels apiece to go through the canal. This Grace 1 has a long history of doing these STS, Ship To Ship transfers, and did off Iraq (2018) and UAE this year.  Grace 1 is very much a supertanker and was built for not going through the World's canals but going with their huge cargos the long way around the Cape of Good Hope, so are classed as Capsize vessels.

The whole situation is very suspicious, and the Captain has apparently been arrested along with the First Mate for reasons not given, but many "irregularities" in the loading of the fuel at various points, and then her travel up to the Straights of Gibraltar, have been noted.

Hope this clarifies

[Varche]

Interesting info Lizzie. 

Has anyone ever wondered why the USA didnt ask Spain to intervene with this oil tanker?  My theory is that the EU /Spain would not have reacted quickly enough. Plus they are more on Irans side than the USA much to Israels disgust.

[STEMO]

Interesting info Lizzie. 

Has anyone ever wondered why the USA didnt ask Spain to intervene with this oil tanker?  My theory is that the EU /Spain would not have reacted quickly enough. Plus they are more on Irans side than the USA much to Israels disgust.

You asked me what Israel had to do with anything. We may find out soon.

[STEMO]

Interesting info Lizzie. 

Has anyone ever wondered why the USA didnt ask Spain to intervene with this oil tanker?  My theory is that the EU /Spain would not have reacted quickly enough. Plus they are more on Irans side than the USA much to Israels disgust.

You asked me what Israel had to do with anything. We may find out soon.

Correction: You asked me where Israel fitted in to all this. Same answer.

[Varche]

Make two sandwich boards please.

[Migalot]

For all those anti-Trumpers who think he is a warmonger:

"In a move sure to infuriate the Neoconservatives that are itching for war, President Donald Trump has agreed to allow pro-peace Senator Rand Paul to meet with Iran in a diplomatic mission to attempt to ease tensions."

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/07/neocons-sidelined-president-trump-approves-allowing-rand-paul-to-meet-with-iran-in-attempt-to-ease-tensions/

[Varche]

The missing small tanker, the Riah, has been towed to an Iranian port for mechanical repairs. Mystery solved.

[aaronjb]

For all those anti-Trumpers who think he is a warmonger:

"In a move sure to infuriate the Neoconservatives that are itching for war, President Donald Trump has agreed to allow pro-peace Senator Rand Paul to meet with Iran in a diplomatic mission to attempt to ease tensions."

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/07/neocons-sidelined-president-trump-approves-allowing-rand-paul-to-meet-with-iran-in-attempt-to-ease-tensions/

Plot twist: This is just a way to ensure that Mr Paul meets with an untimely end.

[STEMO]

The missing small tanker, the Riah, has been towed to an Iranian port for mechanical repairs. Mystery solved.

Ermm.....possibly. A ship of about that size has been impounded for 'smuggling fuel'.

[Doctor Gollum]

The missing small tanker, the Riah, has been towed to an Iranian port for mechanical repairs. Mystery solved.

Ermm.....possibly. A ship of about that size has been impounded for 'smuggling fuel'.

Presumably they will empty it to check

[Migalot]

A US Destroyer has just taken out an Iranian drone. So that makes it quits, I guess. 

[Doctor Gollum]

A US Destroyer has just taken out an Iranian drone. So that makes it quits, I guess. 

Meanwhile, in other New, Iran Air are missing an Airbus

[henryd]

A US Destroyer has just taken out an Iranian drone. So that makes it quits, I guess. 

Meanwhile, in other New, Iran Air are missing an Airbus

Media is keeping that one quiet

[Doctor Gollum]

A US Destroyer has just taken out an Iranian drone. So that makes it quits, I guess. 

Meanwhile, in other New, Iran Air are missing an Airbus

Media is keeping that one quiet

It was a tongue firmly in cheek reference to Flight 655 that the US shot down 'by accident' in 1988

[Migalot]

So now the Iranians have nabbed a British tanker. 

https://twitter.com/BreakingNLive/status/1152276760945471488

[Olympia5776]

So now the Iranians have nabbed a British tanker. 

https://twitter.com/BreakingNLive/status/1152276760945471488

Well what did you expect ?
UK impounds one of theirs , they impound one of ours . It matters not a hoot to these zealots and islamic agitators whether the vessel is /was ,or could have been in International waters ,they don't GAF.
Frankly ,I hope Israel nukes the scum.
There , I said it ......

[Migalot]

Don't know if true but talk of a second British tanker being seized. 

https://twitter.com/BreakingNLive/status/1152291233055805440

[Migalot]

Looks like the "second" tanker might be a Liberian-flagged tanker, the MESDAR. News still sketchy.

[ronnyd]

Looks like state controlled piracy.

[Olympia5776]

Freeze all Iranian assets in UK and if they don't return the tankers in 30 days when we are supposed to return theirs ,start selling the assets off to pay a daily charge on the vessels  and cargo.
opps them ,let's play by their rules.

[Migalot]

The MESDAR has been released.

They were given a "warning about observing of environmental regulations" before being released.

Probably mistook the Liberian flag for a US flag.

[Raeturbo]

About time we stopped pissing about with these pricks. They are not evolving fast enough!! No brains!  But watch out they have loads of subs!

[Varche]

I wonder who Michael Hunt will appoint as foreign secretary next week when he becomes p.m. Javid? Johnson? Hammond? Philip Schofield? Michael Portillo?

Maybe he will be p.m. and foreign secretary.

[Raeturbo]

Who the fu(is Michael hunt??

[Varche]

Laura Kuensberg will be glad it is Jeremy Hunt rather than Mike Hunt. My bad, it is Jeremy.

[Lizzie Zoom]

THis morning we have another British tanker being seized and taken to a Iranian military port:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49054586

[Kevin Wood]

Laura Kuensberg will be glad it is Jeremy Hunt rather than Mike Hunt. My bad, it is Jeremy.

That Freudian slip has been made by enough journalists now, I'm stating to think that there must be something behind it.

.. Whereas the other candidate is more straightforward - choose your definition from the list. I know which one I'm going with.

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Johnson

[Varche]

where is Ferdinand de Lesseps when you need him? He would dig a canal in no time to bypass the dire Straits of Hormuz

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

Laura Kuensberg will be glad it is Jeremy Hunt rather than Mike Hunt. My bad, it is Jeremy.

That Freudian slip has been made by enough journalists now, I'm stating to think that there must be something behind it.

.. Whereas the other candidate is more straightforward - choose your definition from the list. I know which one I'm going with.

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Johnson

Afaik its always BBC journos who do it, and the most likely explanation is that they call him that all the time off camera, and so it just spills out sometimes when the cameras are rolling, or the mic is on.

[Raeturbo]

Phone call for...... probably happened in all of our locals

[BazaJT]

To rub it in[it seems]they've hoisted the Iranian flag on the British tanker they seized.As an aside a minister has now stated that the RN is too small to provide the protection necessary,took them long enough to figure that one out.

[Varche]

Back in time ( 1980s) we had something like 40 frigates and a dozen destroyers. Now it is something like 13 frigates and just a few destroyers. May e all not serviceable or action ready crewed

Still more than most countries but austerity pigeons coming home to roost. You cannot cut everything to the bone without consequences .

With a dozen or so British flagged ships using the Straits of Hormuz every day it is a serious situation which the Iranians have won the publicity coup side of things.

It will be very difficult for Britain to do the right thing and put a-stop to any more piracy. I wonder if the government took its eye off the ball . Too many other things going on like May leaving and either Hunt or Johnson coming in.

[STEMO]

To rub it in[it seems]they've hoisted the Iranian flag on the British tanker they seized.As an aside a minister has now stated that the RN is too small to provide the protection necessary,took them long enough to figure that one out.

If all of the crew are off the ship, send a small guided missile into the cargo and set the bastard on fire.

[Raeturbo]

It's empty. Still burn well though I should think

[redelitev6]

Looks like we can't play with the big boys anymore , I wonder if Argentina fancy their chances in the Falklands now ?

[STEMO]

Looks like we can't play with the big boys anymore , I wonder if Argentina fancy their chances in the Falklands now ?

Sssssshhhhhh......

[Sir Tigger KC]

It's empty. Still burn well though I should think

Empty fuel tanks go  Bang!! better than full ones! 

[Raeturbo]

Yes indeed I know they are far more dangerous get the  stoichiometric right and it’s 🥳 party time

[Rods2]

A country I've been following for sometime is Iran, not only for their global terrorism but also their instability & unrest where most of the money from the economy is taken by the leaders to fund their lifestyles & terror operations. There are many shortages in Iran with drinking water being a particular problem & the other typical perennial problem caused in all dictatorships as the leadership plundering means many don't get paid not only government employees, with delays of 10 months & growing reported in the article below, but it is also common in private industry.

Not getting paid is a common problem in all dictatorships, so you are forewarned on what to expect if Corbyn & his cabal ever get hold of the levers of power.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1528686

According to the DT Miscalculation May parting gift & legacy to us is her last micalculation of turning down US help in protecting our shipping interests in the Gulf, showing again how clueless she is where she prefers the worst of all worlds by sitting on the fence by not turning down the US request for us upholding sanctions by holding an Iranian tanker, but then siding with the EU who want business as usual with Iran. Thank god today is the last day for this most useless PM of our generation & probably ever in the UK.

[Varche]

Interesting that a week or more on and the only country in the world providing escort to tankers through the Straits of Hormuz is.............................

Little old insignificant island of Britain.

We are receiving surveillance info from the USA. Where are our European partners?  The answer is as usual riding on our coat tails and scared of upsetting Iran.

[Lizzie Zoom]

Interesting that a week or more on and the only country in the world providing escort to tankers through the Straits of Hormuz is.............................

Little old insignificant island of Britain.

We are receiving surveillance info from the USA. Where are our European partners?  The answer is as usual riding on our coat tails and scared of upsetting Iran.

Yes, and especially if the Iranians attempt to board an escorted ship.  The Royal Navy, knowing the US will back them up, will I am sure open fire, but I doubt the other European nations will be so quick to jump in with both feet!

[STEMO]

Interesting that a week or more on and the only country in the world providing escort to tankers through the Straits of Hormuz is.............................

Little old insignificant island of Britain.

We are receiving surveillance info from the USA. Where are our European partners?  The answer is as usual riding on our coat tails and scared of upsetting Iran.

Yes, and especially if the Iranians attempt to board an escorted ship.  The Royal Navy, knowing the US will back them up, will I am sure open fire, but I doubt the other European nations will be so quick to jump in with both feet!

That's why we're leaving the little toadies.

[Lizzie Zoom]

Interesting that a week or more on and the only country in the world providing escort to tankers through the Straits of Hormuz is.............................

Little old insignificant island of Britain.

We are receiving surveillance info from the USA. Where are our European partners?  The answer is as usual riding on our coat tails and scared of upsetting Iran.

Yes, and especially if the Iranians attempt to board an escorted ship.  The Royal Navy, knowing the US will back them up, will I am sure open fire, but I doubt the other European nations will be so quick to jump in with both feet!

That's why we're leaving the little toadies.

Yes, and now I think the sooner the better!!