We've convicted al-Qaida supporters, says Iran

Iran acknowledged for the first time today it has convicted some Iranians of supporting al-Qaida.

“A few pro-al Qaida Iranian nationals have been tried and convicted,” said foreign ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi.

He insisted the number was less than five but did not say when they were convicted, what sentences they had received, what sort of support they had provided Osama bin Laden’s terror network or give any other details.

The US has accused Iran of harbouring al-Qaida operatives, a charge the Tehran government denies.

Asefi said cases of foreigners in Iran with alleged links to al-Qaida are still under investigation and no trial dates have been set.