| Iran's secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Hasan Rowhani, white turban, visits Imam Khomeini International Airport |
Member of parliament Hamid Reza Hajibabai Sunday accused Britain of objecting to the airport's name, Imam Khomeini, which honors Islamic Iran's founding father. The politician threatens to expel the British ambassador if London does not apologize.
But a spokesman for the British embassy in Tehran said no such comment was made. He said London's concern is the reported presence of ancient irrigation channels beneath the runway, which could compromise the airport's safety.
British officials say they are waiting for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to say that corrective measures will be taken.
Iranian officials say the airport is safe, and that ICAO officials have already inspected and approved use of the new airport.
Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.
