Morrissey to perform in Middle East

British singer Morrissey is set to perform in Iran alongside a slew of local artists - and will be one of the first Western acts to appear in the country if negotiations are successful.

The former Smiths frontman hopes to appear onstage with acclaimed Arabian pop singer Kazem Al Sahir, one of the star's professed heroes, and is currently in talks with the Iranian government to play a gig there later this year.

The 48-year-old remains adamant however that he will play a series of concerts in the Middle East, even if the performance with al-Sahir does not go ahead.

Morrissey's manager Merck Mercuriadis said: "One way or another we will tour the Middle East - in terms of places like Jerusalem and Beirut. And we hope to play Iran."

Morrissey's management is awaiting a formal response from Iran's Ministry Of Culture and Islamic Guidance on the matter.