This was NOT a smart move by the Iranians as the Brits are already wanting to leave Iraq alone, so there's more than just political grandstanding at work here.
This is pure speculation, but I believe Iran wants to keep the Brits in the area for awhile longer, for how long and for what purpose I don't know. The one thing I do know is that if the SAS gets involved the Iranians are going to feel it for sure.
