Downing Street wants quick resolution in Iran

Downing Street called today for the crisis over Iran’s arrest of eight British sailors and British royal marines to be resolved as quickly as possible.

No 10 said Britain had requested access to the eight, who were arrested after reportedly straying into Iranian waters.

British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw spoke this morning to his opposite number, Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazzi, who promised he would “personally” look into the situation.

Tony Blair’s official spokesman said the British government had not been told the men would be prosecuted, as reported by Iranian state TV.