Iran Arrests Two Chinese Nationals on Spy Charges

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran has detained two Chinese nationals on charges of spying on its military and nuclear facilities, a government spokesman said yesterday.

Though such accusations against Westerners are common in Iran, the announcement is the first such charge against China, with which Iran usually enjoys good relations.

"The Chinese nationals were detained while taking photo and recording video tape of a military complex in Arak city," judiciary spokesman Ali Reza Jamshidi told reporters. "They entered Iran through Kish Island as tourists." Mr. Jamshidi said the case was under investigation by the country's judicial authorities.