A group of eight Iranians, including two diplomats, were released by U.S. forces Wednesday after bei

(29 Aug 2007) EM4541 HEADLINE: Diplomat: U.S. troops release detained Iranians CAPTION: Eight Iranians are released hours after being detained by U.S. soldiers in Baghdad. Video footage shows blindfolded and handcuffed men being led away. (Aug. 29) 2007 [Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] [Notes:VO various night shots of soldiers with hostages, WS military vehicles] U-S TROOPS HAVE RELEASED THESE IRANIANS, SEEN HERE BEING LED AWAY BLINDFOLDED AND HANDCUFFED. THEY WERE DETAINED AT THE SHERATON ISHTAR HOTEL IN CENTRAL BAGHDAD. IRAN SAYS THE GROUP INCLUDED TWO DIPLOMATS AND MEMBERS OF IRAN'S ELECTRICITY MINISTRY. THE MILITARY SAYS THE INCIDENT STARTED WITH A ROUTINE STOP AT A CHECKPOINT NEAR THE HOTEL AND THE DISCOVERY OF UNLICENSED WEAPONS IN CARS CARRYING THE IRANIANS. THE WEAPONS BELONGED TO IRAQIS, PART OF A PROTECTIVE DETAIL. THE MILITARY SAYS THE STOP WAS ROUTINE. [Notes:SUPER: Brig. Gen Kevin Bergner / Military spokesman] Sot: Once we figured out and learned what the circumstances were, the individuals were released. So I don't think people should read any more into it than that. THE IRANIANS ARE NOW IN THE HANDS OF IRAQI AUTHORITIES. IRAN'S FOREIGN MINISTRY CALLS THE U-S ACTION AN ACT OF INTERFERENCE IN THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS OF IRAQ, SAYING THE DELEGATION WAS IN BAGHDAD TO DISCUSS BUILDING A POWER PLANT. STORYLINE Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...