Iran says no need for trial of British sailors

By Edmund Blair

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran said on Monday it wanted to resolve the row over 15 British sailors and marines seized in the Gulf through diplomacy and there was no need for a trial.

The 11-day dispute centers on where the sailors were seized by Iran. Britain insists they were in Iraqi waters on a routine mission authorized by the United Nations and the Iraqi government, but Tehran says they were in its territory.

"This issue can be resolved and there is no need for any trial," Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, told Britain's Channel 4 News television.

"There should be a delegation to review the case ... to clarify whether they have been in our territorial waters or not. Through sensationalism you cannot solve the problem," he said in a interview from Tehran, speaking through a translator.

Britain's approach, which included seeking U.N. and European Union backing to isolate Iran, has been strongly criticized by Tehran during the stand-off, which has heightened tensions over Iran's nuclear ambitions and helped pushed oil prices up $10.

"There is a difference of view between the UK government and the Iranian government. This issue should be resolved bilaterally," Larijani said. "A guarantee must be given that such violations would not be repeated."

Britain's foreign office had no immediate reaction to Larijani's remarks.

"Our priority is the safe release of the personnel and diplomatic means will continue," a ministry spokeswoman said.