( People's Daily Online ) - U.S. National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said Wednesday that the five Iranians detained by U.S. forces in January in Iraq will not be released.
When asked if the United States considers releasing the five detained Iranians, Johndroe said: "No."
Johndroe also dismissed Iranian accusations that an Iranian diplomat was tortured by U.S. forces during a two-month captivity in Iraq.
Johndroe made the remarks after Iran announced that it is unlikely to attend a conference on Iraq's security next month as long as the United Stated does not release the five Iranians.
U.S. forces detained the five Iranians in January in a raid in northern Iraq and accused the five of stirring trouble in Iraq. Iran has insisted that the five are diplomats and demanded their immediate release.
The United States has accused Iran of meddling in Iraq. Iran has denied the charge.