Iranian state media is reporting that authorities have released some members of the British Embassy staff in Tehran, one day after eight Iranian staffers there were detained for alleged links to the nation's post-election unrest. It is unclear how many staffers remain in custody.
A report quotes the nation's intelligence minister, Qolam Hosein Mohseni-Ejei as saying Sunday it has proof that some British embassy employees collected news about the recent protests.
| But that's part of the job of a diplomatic corps. It's only a problem if they are actively spying. |
Earlier in the day, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband demanded their release, calling their detention an unacceptable form of harassment and intimidation. European Union foreign ministers Sunday vowed the EU will respond in a "strong and collective" manner to any harassment or intimidation of staff members at embassies in Iran.
| They'll pass a UN-style strongly-worded resolution. |
Also Sunday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused British and U.S. officials of making absurd comments about Iran. Tehran has accused both Britain and the United States of involvement in the street protests and violence that swept the country after its June 12 presidential election. |