TEHERAN: Twenty-five people alleged to have plotted the overthrow of the Iranian Government under the directive of Iraq’s ruling Baathist regime and Iran’s former Security Chief have been arrested here, it was officially announced today [Dec 28]. A spokesman for Iran’s security organisation told a Press conference the alleged plotters included the ringleaders and all were being questioned. He said they were expected to stand trial in the next four or five months.

The spokesman said some of those arrested had crossed the border into Iran from Iraq to take part in sabotage and guerilla warfare after receiving training at Iraqi military bases. One of those arrested, former Iranian student Ahmad Sabouri … described to reporters how he went to Baghdad with three other Iranians and met Gen Bakhtiar in the Iraqi capital. The student said they returned to Iran with instructions to blow up key positions to Teheran and assassinate Iranian leaders.

The Security spokesman said Gen Bakhtiar had told his agents in Iran that, in addition to “support from Iraqi Baathists”, he had “full backing” of Western oil companies which he said were disappointed over Iran’s demand for increased revenue. — Agency

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2020