Tehran says it has ´good relations with neighbors.´ Denies connection to Iran-linked terrorists detained in Azarbaijan

Iran´s Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said some countries are trying to undermine Tehran´s "friendly relations with its neighbors through baseless allegations," IRNA reported on Thursday.

He made the remarks in reaction to the arrest of a number of Iranian nationals in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan police arrested several people linked to Iran and Hezbollah who are suspected of planning attacks in the country, Azeri state television reported Tuesday.

State broadcaster AzTV, quoting the national security ministry, said police had detained 20 people linked to Iranian intelligence services and Hezbollah who intended to stage attacks on foreign citizens in the country. One of the detainees, Ramil Dadashov, is the nephew of Balagardash Dadashov, who is wanted by the National Security Ministry for the attempted attack on the Israeli ambassador to Baku, and collaboration with the Iranian secret services.

Some others arrested are reporters for Iran’s Fars news agency.

The apprehended terrorists were reported to have already purchased explosives, ammunition and weapons, and were working under Iran´s Revolutionary Guard´s orders.

They are suspected of being linked to the attacks on Israeli missions in India, Thailand and Georgia last week. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 02/24/12)