Iran threatens to make US ‘regret’ arrest of diplomats

IRAN yesterday warned that the United States would be made to “regret” its detention of five Iranian officials in Iraq but said it was still ready to consider continuing talks with its arch foe.

“We will make the Americans regret their ugly and illegal action against the consulate of Iran in Arbil in Iraq and kidnapping five of our diplomats,” said foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki, according to statetelevision.

Mr Mottaki did not elaborate on how the United States would be made to regret its move.

He added that Iran in the next two days would send a letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon protesting “the lack of attention and clear, indefensible discrimination of the Security Council” on the issue.

The US in January arrested five Iranian officials working for an Iranian office in the Iraqi city of Arbil, accusing the men of belonging to the elite special operations force of the Revolutionary Guards.

US military officials have also said two other Iranians have been detained in Iraq but it is unclear when and where they were arrested.

Iran insists that the men are diplomats working for a “consulate”.

However, Iranian officials yesterday appeared toexpress readiness to continue the talks.

“If the Americans decide to change their policies on Iraq we will examine positively a request from the Iraqi government to continue the discussions with the United States,” said Mr Mottaki.