Australia Says Sailors Had Standoff With Iran In 2004

Iran detained 15 British sailors and Marines in the Persian Gulf in March (file photo) (Fars) June 22, 2007 -- Australian defense officials say members of its navy were involved in a tense standoff with Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf in December 2004.

Officials said the Australian sailors took defensive positions when their ship was surrounded by five Iranian gunboats.

Officials said no shots were fired during the four-hour confrontation.

The incident is being compared to the case of 15 British sailors and marines who were captured at gunpoint by Iran in the Gulf in March.

The Britons were later released.

(AP, Reuters)