Iran to try local British embassy staff

TEHERAN: A powerful Iranian cleric suggested on Friday that detained local staff from the British embassy in Teheran would be put on trial in the Islamic Republic for their alleged role in post-election unrest.

In London, Britain's Foreign Office said it was "very concerned" about Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati's statement that local embassy staff may face trial in connection with demonstrations against last month's disputed presidential election.

Iran earlier this week said 9 Iranian British embassy staff had been detained for involvement in mass street protests that erupted after the election won by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.