TEHRAN - Iran described as "propaganda" Friday a homecoming news conference given by British naval personnel in which they spoke of "psychological" intimidation during their detention in Iran.
"The propaganda and the staged show can not cover up the British military's violation of the Islamic Republic of Iran sea border and their repeated illegal entry," foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said.
The 15 British naval personnel held by Iran told Friday how they were stripped, blindfolded and handcuffed as part of "psychological" intimidation during their detention.
A day after their return to Britain, the group said they feared for their lives if they resisted and were threatened with seven years in jail if they did not confess to being in Iranian waters.
But Hosseni charged that it was the British authorities which had pressured the freed naval personnel to voice criticism of Iran following their release.
"The immediate transfer of the sailors to a military camp suggests that they were acting under orders," he said, referring to the naval personnel's transfer to a marines base in southwest England for debriefing.
Hosseini accused British Prime Minister Tony Blair of "putting pressure" on the 15 sailors and marines.
04/06/2007 19:00 GMT