Washington: The United States has asked Iran to turn over to the US or their countries of origin the senior al-Qaida terrorists, which Tehran said it is now holding.

Iran's Intelligence Minister Ali Yunesi told reporters in Tehran on July 23 that senior members of the terrorist group are in custody. He did not identify them by name.

"We, along with a number of our allies, have called on Iran to turn these terrorists over to the United States or their countries of origin, so that they will face justice for their terrorist activities," White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said on July 23.

He said Iran's statement "bolsters recent assertions by senior US officials that Iran has become a safe haven for al-Qaida, which has been blamed for the September 11 attacks on America."

McCellan however said he could not confirm the accuracy of the Iranian officials' statements, or what is meant by custody of the al-Qaida terrorists.

"The statements would appear to confirm what we and others believe to be a significant al-Qaida presence in Iran, including members of the senior leadership. These terrorists, we have made very clear, must be brought to justice."

Secretary of State Colin Powell told reporters that the Iranian officials' comments were significant and an interesting development, because the Iranians "have now acknowledged rather publicly the presence and detention of al-Qaida members.

"How they dispose of these individuals and what jurisdictions they turn them over to is something that remains to be seen," Powell added.

PTI