I expect the boats won't be returned. But if Buff's threat of 'very bad things' or similar, occuring if they are not then we could be in a very interesting situation. My, subtle, point about saving a few bob was directed at our not investing in fetching them back ourselves. I doubt that we could - I expect we would be soundly thrashed and sent away if we turned-up demanding their return. Iran has, allegedly, the following:
F-4s - 65, F-5s - 60, F-14s - 25, F-6s 16, F-7s- 24, MiG-29s - 25
Su-22s - 40, Su-25s - 7, Su-24s - 30, Mirage F-1s - 24 MiG-23s - 12 and 320 combat helicopters.
Add around 1600 MBTs and around 520 000 personnel in their forces.
We, on the other hand, have, probably, the following:
Harrier - 42, Jags - 36, Tornado GR - 70, F3 - 60, Eurofighter Geoffhoon - a couple, and some support helos.
Add around 250 MBTs and 304 000 personnel in our forces.
NOW I can see reasons for a defense review.
All the above from 10 minutes surfing with google.