Iran sees British hand in bombings

Iran has accused the British military of co-operating with bombers who killed eight people in southwest Iran, but Britain denies involvement.

An ethnic Arab group claimed responsibility for the blasts

Manouchehr Mottaki, the Iranian foreign minister, said on Wednesday that London’s involvement was clear and that Tehran would make strong protests to Britain.

A little-known group campaigning for independence for Iran’s Arab minority claimed responsibility in a web statement for Tuesday’s attacks on a bank and government building in the oil city of Ahvaz.

“Yesterday’s murders in Ahvaz were committed by those who proudly have their photographs taken with British officials,” Mottaki said. “They enjoy the co-operation of British army commanders and use their facilities in Basra.

“We hope British officials take this seriously, put it on their agenda and act accountably.”

Charge rebuffed

A British foreign ministry spokesman rebuffed Mottaki’s accusation. “We were not involved and condemn all terrorism,” he said.

The claim of responsibility was posted on a website used by Iranian Arab fighters.

Ahvaz is situated in southwestIran, home to an Arab minority
Ahvaz is situated in southwestIran, home to an Arab minority

Ahvaz is situated in southwest
Iran, home to an Arab minority

“Our heroes … in the military wing of The Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz attacked and destroyed the dens of the occupying enemy,” the statement said.

Only about 3% of Iran’s 69 million people are Arabs but authorities are very sensitive about protests and discontent in the southwestern Arab territories, home to Iran’s biggest oil fields.

Iran has had a deep suspicion of Britain since the 19th century, when Britain and Russia jostled for diplomatic and military influence in Persia during the so-called Great Game.

Source: Reuters