Iran demands consular access to US plotter

TEHRAN: Iran on Sunday demanded a 'consular visit' to Iranian-US national Manssor Arbabsiar, who is in United States custody facing charges over an alleged Tehran-directed assassination plot, Fars news agency said.

It said a letter to the US authorities demanding such access had been sent via the Swiss embassy in Tehran, which looks after US interests there as Iran and the United States have no diplomatic ties.

"There is no doubt the American accusations are without basis but a handover of personal information of the accused and a consular visit are an obligation for the US government," an Iranian diplomat told the Swiss charge d'affaires at a meeting at the foreign ministry, Fars said.

"Any delay in this regard is against international rules and the responsibilities of the American government," he added. (AFP)