TEHERAN: Iranian authorities have detained several local employees of the British Embassy in Iran, a move that Britain's foreign secretary yesterday called "harassment and intimidation" and reflected a hardening of Teheran's stance toward the West.

Iranian media said eight local embassy staff were detained for an alleged role in post-election protests, but gave no further details. British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said "about nine" employees were detained on Saturday and that some had been released.

The detentions signaled a further toughening of Iran's dealings with the West, which has become increasingly vocal in its condemnation of a crackdown on opposition supporters.