Iran has said it has arrested a number of members of the al-Qaeda network, but that they are not high level operatives. The announcement comes amid intense pressure on Iran from the United States, which alleges that Tehran is allowing terrorists safe haven in the Islamic republic. Iran rejects that charge. Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi told a government television station that Iran had been “the pioneer in fighting al-Qaeda terrorists, who have been posing threats to our national interests”. Washington says there is a link between Iran and the attacks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, earlier this month, which killed 34 people including nine suicide bombers. The US is reported to have cut off behind-the-scenes talks with Iran since the Riyadh attacks. Full Story