U.S. Plane Leaves Iran After Emergency Landing

Iranian officials say a small American commercial plane made an emergency landing earlier this month in southwestern Iran after facing technical problems.

Mahmud Rasoulinejad, head of the state-owned Iran Airports Company, was quoted by Iran's Press TV as saying the plane was forced to land 16 days ago at the airport in the city of Ahvaz but left on December 30 after repairs were completed.

Rasoulinejad said three passengers left Iran for their destinations in the Gulf.

Iran is a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization, requiring it to come to the aid of civilian aircraft when requested.

The incident comes amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington over Iran's disputed nuclear program.
Based on reporting by Press TV and AP