Iran Bill Allows Arrest of Americans Who Offend Nation

TEHRAN —  Parliament passed a bill Tuesday allowing Iran to arrest any American anywhere who offends it, and fanatics of the Revolutionary Guards whipped up fervor about the seizure of the U.S. Embassy 10 years ago.

Iranian militants stormed the embassy Nov. 4, 1979, and held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.

Chief Justice Ayatollah Mohammed Yazdi said the bill approved by 150 members of the 270-seat Parliament responded to the “bullying nature” of the United States.

He referred specifically to a Justice Department ruling that U.S. government agents could pursue and apprehend terrorists in other countries, which he called “the worst kind of terrorism and kidnaping.”

The bill requires final approval.

A statement Tuesday from the paramilitary Revolutionary Guards said that tens of thousands of its members would lead demonstrators Saturday outside the former U.S. Embassy to “mark this great day” when militants overran it.

Meanwhile, a former Revolutionary Guards minister was installed as Iran’s new navy commander Tuesday amid a major shake-up in the military.

Ali Shamkhani was named to replace Rear Adm. Mohammed Hussein Malekzadegan.

Tehran Radio gave no reason for his abrupt dismissal.