Iran continues offensive, arrests key Communists

Iran said it recaptured another 20 square miles of Iraqi-held territory in an area south of Fakkeh. At least 800 Iraqis were killed or wounded since the new offensive was launched Sunday, Tehran radio said, quoting a military communique. Iranian forces were consolidating newly gained positions, it said.

In Tehran, officials confirmed the arrest of Communist Party chief Nureddin Kianuri and members of his Central Committee on charges of spying for Moscow. The arrests of party members, once thought to have growing influence in Iran, reflect a further decline in Iran-Soviet relations.