ARTICLE: DEBKAfile Exclusive: USS Harry Truman carrier on high alert for repeat Iranian incident linked to Bush Middle East tour, January 13, 2008

Rob Johnson's analysis fits my suspicions to a "T."

Ahmadinejad ... partly due the US strategy of "backing off" is losing public favor quickly. However, he retains significant influence with the Revolutionary Guards, which Ayatollah Ali Khamenei seems to have lost any control of (if they ever had any). So, taking a play from the old "Clintonian" playbook he tries's to "change the headline." He has the little boats start to stir up a "Devil USA or David and Goliath" incident. I assume he actually wants someone to get killed, so he can play the Iranian savior again.