2 German diplomats detained in Iran

Iran's state media reported Wednesday that authorities have detained two German diplomats and accused them of playing a role in organizing deadly anti-government protests in December.

Germany's Foreign Ministry said it had no knowledge about any diplomats being detained and dismissed accusations that German diplomats had a hand in the demonstrations and clashes last month that left eight people dead.

Iran's state radio and official IRNA news agency both quoted an unnamed deputy intelligence minister on Wednesday as saying the German diplomats were detained on Dec. 27, the day security forces fired on stone-throwing protesters in Iran's capital.

The disputed June 12 presidential vote divided Iran deeply and triggered massive street protests by an opposition that claimed the election was stolen by fraud.

Iranian officials have since frequently accused the U.S. and Britain of orchestrating anti-government protests.

But Monday's allegations marked the first time Iran has openly accused Germany of playing a role in the turmoil that has rattled the country since the disputed presidential elections last June.