Iranian Pilgrims Kidnapped in Syria Linked to Military

"Retired" members of the Revolutionary Guard are among the 48 pilgrims taken hostage by rebels in Damascus

Tehran admitted for the first time last night that the Iranians abducted by Syrian rebels in Damascus at the weekend were linked to the Islamic republic's military.

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said "retired" members of the elite Revolutionary Guards and army were among the 48 hostages, contradicting previous claims they had no military links.