Iran says release of female British sailor may be delayed

Iran may delay the release of British sailor Faye Turney if Britain takes the issue to the UN Security Council or freezes relations, according to negotiator Ali Larijani.

Mr Larijani made his comments on Iranian state radio.

Britain earlier asked the Security Council to support a call for the immediate release of detainees, saying in a statement they were operating in Iraqi waters under a mandate from the Security Council and at the request of Iraq.

The issue was expected to be debated later today.