A US aeroplane has been forced to land in Iran after violating the country's territory, according to an Iranian news agency. The agency added that the incursion was unintentional, and those on board were questioned and released. It said five people were interrogated, but allowed to leave the following day after it became clear their trespass into Iranian airspace had been a mistake.
The interrogation revealed that they had strayed over the border unintentionally en route to Afghanistan. Reports said the plane was a fighter jet, sparking fears of a confrontation between the two countries.
However, the Pentagon denied that any of its aircraft were missing and it later emerged that the plane was a Falcon passenger jet. The plane is said to have entered Iranian airspace from Turkey despite repeated warnings by the Islamic Republic Air Force. Reports from Iran said the jet was flying low in an attempt to slip under Iranian radar before being made to touch down.
The US Falcon and all those aboard left Iran for Afghanistan after receiving takeoff permission from Iranian authorities.
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