Red Cross asks for report on Iran official's capture

The International Committee of the Red Cross has approached Iraq over the capture of Iranian Oil Minister Muhammad Javad Tondguyan by Iraqi forces. Following a request by Iran, the Red Cross asked Baghdad authorities to confirm whether they were holding the minister and explain the circumstances under which he was captured. According to Tehran Radio, Mr. Tondguyan, a deputy minister, and an oil industry official were seized by the Iraqis near Abadan. A Red Cross spokesman said the Geneva-based committee, which in the past has helped negotiate prisoner exchanges or releases, will seek to visit the Iranian minister in detention.