Written question asked by Michael Moore (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 10 October 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 October 2005. It was answered by Lord Reid of Cardowan (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 October 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iran

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he was first informed that military equipment supplied by Iran may have been used against British soldiers in southern Iraq; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: I first became aware in early summer 2005 of reports suggesting that military equipment originating in Iran may have been used against British soldiers in Southern Iraq. New types of explosive devices are being used—not just against British Forces, but elsewhere in Iraq—and the nature of those devices suggests a connection with Lebanese Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran. We cannot, however be certain of this at the present time, and while we continue to investigate the matter, we will continue to stress to the Iranian authorities the need for non-interference in the internal affairs of Iraq.

Secondary information