TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) — Eight local staff members of the British embassy in Tehran have been arrested in connection with the country’s post-election unrest, Iran’s government-funded Press TV reported Sunday.
CNN could not immediately reach the embassy officials for confirmation. It was also not immediately known whether any British citizens were among the arrested.
The British foreign office did not confirm the specific incident but said “people with connection to the U.K. have been arrested all week.”
The Iranian government has long blamed other countries, especially Britain, for “meddling” in its affairs but has offered no proof.
On Wednesday, Iranian authorities said they had arrested several foreign nationals, some with British passports, for allegedly helping foment unrest after the June 12 presidential election.
At the time, the British foreign office said it was looking into the claims. It said it was aware that one of the arrested nationals was Washington Times reporter Iason Athanasiadis, who also goes by Jason Fowden.
Athanasiadis holds dual British and Greek passports.
“We understand Greek officials are providing consular assistance as he also holds a Greek passport. We are ready to assist if need be,” the foreign office said.
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The Heat: Iran's Political Landscape
Iran government TV: Local British embassy staffers arrested
6/28/2009 
