United States president George Bush says Iran's capture of 15 British sailors is "inexcusable." Bush also rejected any idea of quid pro quo for their release, and called the captured sailors "hostages." Meanwhile Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has labelled Britain arrogant for failing to apologise over its detained naval personnel. Ahmadinejad said London had mishandled the crisis between the countries, which began when 15 Royal Naval sailors were captured while conducting an anti-smuggling operation on March 23. Ahmadinejad maintained the sailors and marines were trespassing in Iranian water, and called the British governments claim to the contrary political posturing.