Iran's ambassador hurt in Baghdad accident

AFP — Iran's ambassador to Iraq was slightly injured in an accident at a checkpoint outside Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, a security official said on Thursday.

"The incident occurred Tuesday at the main entrance to the Green Zone, when a bomb detector reported a problem but the driver of the vehicle (carrying the ambassador) did not notice and continued on his way. The barrier then hit the vehicle," he said.

An Iranian embassy spokesman said that the ambassador, Arshad Ali, sustained slight injuries to his face but was able to continue on his way.

The sprawling, heavily protected Green Zone houses the US and British embassies, the Iraqi parliament and the office of the prime minister.