TEHERAN: A leading Iranian lawmaker said yesterday the illegal entry of three detained US citizens into the country may have been related to unrest that erupted after Iran's June presidential election.

Iran detained the three Americans more than a week ago after they strayed across the border from Iraq, according to Iraqi officials.

"Their illegal entry cannot be altogether unrelated to the post-election unrest ... What mission were the three pursuing in Iran? Why did not they apply for Iran visas?" said Mohammad Karamirad, a member of parliament's Foreign Affairs and National Security Committee, the official IRNA news agency reported.