Allies of Iran's president-elect are denying allegations by several Americans held hostage in Iran more than 25 years ago that he played a key role in their detention.
Aides to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and several of the 1979 hostage takers, insist he did not participate in the international standoff.
In interviews with U.S. news media, several former hostages described Mr. Ahmadinejad as "a cruel individual" who interrogated the captives. But other hostages say they don't remember him.
Mr. Ahmadinejad was in his early 20's at the time of the hostage taking and has not publicly addressed the allegations.
The White House says it is looking into the allegations.
A group of radical Iranian students stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran in November 1979 and held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
