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Sat 04 Apr 2007Engaging with IranPragmatism, flexibility and diplomacy are not readily associated with Iran's foreign policy, but they each featured as the British naval personnel crisis was resolved last week. Release of the 15 sailors and marines has greatly eased a confrontation that could have been leveraged into growing escalation by either side. It has revealed wider lessons on how best to conduct relations with Iran's rulers as they adjust to a much more influential role in the Middle East region.On both sides there has been much speculation about the timing and motivation of this crisis. Ever since five Iranians were arrested in Iraq by US forces three months ago it has been expected that Iran would stage a reciprocal action. That the seizure of the 15 naval personnel coincided with a United Nations Security Council decision to tighten sanction against Iran over its nuclear programme was seen as a gesture towards nationalist opinion there. This manifested itself in demonstrations, alleged confessions and calls for the Britions to be put on trial for violating Iranian sovereignty.