Briefly: Iran deploys sub in Persian Gulf

TEHRAN — Tehran has deployed one of its Russian-made submarines in the Persian Gulf, just days after the U.S. and more than two dozen of its allies began naval exercises nearby, Iranian state television reported Tuesday.

The Taregh-1 joined the Iranian fleet in the southern port of Bandar Abbas after it was overhauled, according to the TV report.

It is one of three Russian Kilo class submarines that Iran obtained in the early 1990s.

In May, Iran redeployed another Russian-made submarine after repairs.

The report also showed the launch of what was said to be the partially completed hull of a destroyer, the Sahand, which the TV report said is expected to be ready in the near future.

Both launches came under the command of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters. He said Iran has no intention of invading other countries.

LEBANON

Shiite clansmen charged with terrorist plots, abductions

BEIRUT — A military prosecutor in Lebanon has charged six members of a powerful Shiite Muslim clan with forming an armed group and kidnappings.

Members of the al-Mikdad clan recently took a Turkish businessman and more than 20 Syrians hostage in retaliation for the abduction of one of their family members inside Syria by rebels trying to overthrow President Bashar Assad.

Turkey has been hosting Syrian rebels and refugees.

The state-run National News Agency said the prosecutor, Sakr Sakr, on Tuesday charged six members of the al-Mikdad family with plotting terrorist acts and kidnappings.

All six, including the clan’s spokesman, Maher al-Mikdad, are in Lebanese custody. If convicted, they could be sentenced to life imprisonment.

The hostages were freed last week in a raid by the Lebanese army.

TURKEY

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