Iran admits slow going; Iraq claims tactical gains

Iran admitted it was making slow progress in its latest military offensive against Iraq. But the slow pace of the operation launched last week reflected Iranian tactics rather than fierce Iraqi resistance, reported Tehran radio, quoting Hojatolislam Hashemi Rafsanjani. The parliamentary speaker added that new large-scale offensives were coming on a wide front.

Iraq's defense minister said Iran had suffered a real and harsh defeat in the past week's fighting in the Shib sector of Misan Province, southern Iraq, according to the official news agency INA. Iraq had also claimed to have bombed Iran's crucial Kharg Island oil terminal. But Iran's oil minister said tankers were loading normally and installations were unharmed.