An April 4 editorial in the conservative Iranian daily Kayhan, which is identified with Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, noted that the abduction of the British servicemen was an occurrence that was rare and unprecedented in the Middle East, and that it indicated Iran's capabilities and proved that Iran would permit no one to harm its sovereignty.

The editorial also said that even though the abduction was unconnected to Iran's nuclear dossier, it showed that Iran's sovereignty could not be undermined by the use of either warships or sanctions.

Source: Kayhan, Iran, April 4, 2007