American Soldiers Arrest Of Eight Iranians In Baghdad Raises Tensions Between Washington And Tehran

... In a move that is likely to further escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran, soldiers detained the group of eight Iranians – including one woman - and seven Iraqis after finding unauthorised weapons in their convoy of cars. They were held overnight before being released this morning... The Iranians were taken in blindfolds and handcuffs from the Sheraton hotel in Baghdad after their convoy was stopped at a nearby checkpoint and weapons, including an AK-47 assault rifle and two 9mm pistols, were seized... During the incident US troops also confiscated a laptop, mobile phones and a briefcase full of Iranian and American money in the hotel...
Read story in full at TimesOnline.co.uk

>>> Multi-National Corps-Iraq has this press release out on the story...

Multi-National Corps-Iraq

Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
Release #20070829-05
Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Coalition Forces Detain, Later Release Individuals

Coalition Forces detained a group of 15 individuals traveling together in four vehicles here Tuesday. The group included seven Iraqis and eight Iranian nationals.

Coalition Forces searched the vehicles as the group attempted to enter a checkpoint on Abu Nuwas Street near the Sheraton Hotel. CF confiscated an AK-47 rifle and two 9mm pistols in the possession of the Iraqis in the group. The Iraqis serving as a protective detail had identification but no weapons permits and also had Iranian money.

The individuals were allowed to proceed and went in the Sheraton Hotel.

The CF followed shortly after, based on further instructions from its headquarters element and searched their rooms. While there, CF confiscated a laptop computer, cellphones, and a briefcase full of Iranian and US money.

Contrary to published reports, there was no raid on the hotel.

Following the brief room search the group was taken to a coalition facility for questioning. The Iranian nationals had passports. It was later determined that two of the Iranian individuals were carrying diplomatic credentials.

The Iranian nationals were released in consultation with the Government of Iraq to Iraqi officials.