Click to play videoNew Delhi: As the UN Security Council readies to vote on expanding sanctions against Iran, there's a deepening crisis on the high seas.
Iran says 15 British sailors it detained on Friday had illegally entered their territorial waters.
Britain predictably denied the charge saying the sailors and marines were in engaged in a routine anti-smuggling operation in Iraqi waters.
"I was extremely disturbed to hear the detention of 15 Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel and their equipment by Iranian vessels today. We sought a full explanation of what happened and let the Iranian authorities in no doubt we expect the immediate and safe return of our service personnel onboard," said British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett.
US and British officials say the eight Royal Navy sailors and seven Marines had just completed their search of a merchant ship. Then Iranian vessels suddenly turned up surrounded and detained them.
The incident took place near the Shatt al-Arab waterday, which is disputed between Iran and Iraq. The 15 Britons are now believed to be in Tehran.
The Royal navy soldiers are reportedly being questioned in Tehran.
"Everything is being done to the highest level of the UK government indeed the coalition government structure to ensure that safe return as soon as possible," said Commodore Nick Lambert of HMS Cornwall.
The incident coincides with the UN Security Council’s vote on more sanctions against Iran and tensions with the US over Iran's support of Shia groups in Iraq.
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