American Businessman Arrested as a Spy in Iran
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NICOSIA, Cyprus — Iranian authorities said Wednesday that they have arrested an American businessman and accused him of spying.
The official Islamic Republic News Agency said Milton Mayar, 58, was providing vital Iranian business information to several international companies.
The agency also said he has links with foreign intelligence agents.
Sources in Tehran said Mayar owns a travel agency and has tried to promote tourism in the country.
His arrest was announced in a statement by the Ministry of Information, the news reports said.
It did not say when Mayar was arrested, but the announcement came on the 13th anniversary of the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran by Iranian militants.
Tehran radio said thousands of Iranians gathered in front of the building for a rally commemorating the takeover, during which Iranian militants held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.
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