Iran to put US hikers on trial as Clinton appeals for release

Iran said yesterday it would try three Americans jailed since crossing the border from Iraq in July, a step certain to aggravate Washington when tensions are running high over Tehran's nuclear programme.

Foreign Minister, Manouchehr Mottaki, did not say when proceedings would begin or specify the charge other than to say the Americans had "suspicious aims". Last month, however, authorities accused them of spying.

In Washington, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the Iranian move was "totally unfounded" and appealed anew to authorities in Iran to release them. "The three young people who were detained by the Iranians have absolutely no connection with any kind of action against the Iranian state or government," she said. "We appeal to the Iranian leadership to free these young people as soon as possible."

There are concerns in the US that Iran could use the three as bargaining chips in talks over its nuclear programme or in seeking the return of Iranians they say are missing.

"They will be tried by Iran's judiciary system and verdicts will be issued," Mr Mottaki said. He said the three were still being interrogated.

The Americans – Shane Bauer, 27, Sarah Shourd, 31, and Josh Fattal, 27 – were detained by Iranian authorities after crossing an unmarked border from Iraq. They have been held in Iran's Evin prison, where diplomats have visited them and said they are healthy.

Even if the Americans are tried, however, there is still a chance they could be released soon. Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi was convicted of espionage and sentenced to eight years in prison, before she was released on an appeal.