Iran seeks outside inquiry on chemical-arms claims

Iran wants the United Nations, the International Red Cross, and other neutral observers to investigate its claims of mass slaughter by Iraqi troops allegedly using chemical warfare in the Gulf war. The plea came hours after Iran sent diplomatic missions to Europe, Asia, and throughout the Middle East in an attempt to end more than a year of international isolation.

Radio Tehran accused the Iraqis of using "incendiary and chemical bombs" in a costly weekened attack on the city of Susangerd. Iraqi troops entered the city at dawn Sunday, but Radio Tehran said an "epic resistance by Muslim fighters" forced the invaders to retreat nine miles.