Iran refuses to free US hikers

IRAN’S judiciary said yesterday the release on bail of two US hikers convicted of espionage was not imminent, rejecting President Ahmadinejad’s announcement they will be freed in a couple of days.

Analysts say the contrast between the judiciary’s statement and Ahmadinejad’s promise highlights a rift between Iran’s ruling hardline elites, germinated by Ahmadinejad’s disputed 2009 re-election and the protests which followed.