Iran's ambassador to Britain, Rasoul Movahedian said the release of the Britons was not linked to any other case, but added: "If the British want to be helpful and use their influence we will welcome that ... We will welcome in general any steps that could defuse tensions in the region."

Mr Movahedian said it was a "mutual task" for Iran and the world's major powers to "glean the fruits" of Tehran's decision to release the Britons. He said he would welcome recognition by the UN Security Council's five permanent members, the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China, of what Iran says is its right to enrich uranium in its nuclear programme for peaceful purposes.

Some media reports during the two-week standoff over Tehran's seizure of the Britons that ended on April 5 said Iran wanted the five Iranians freed in return for releasing the 15.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on April 4 he had decided to forgive and free the 15 even though Britain was not "brave enough" to admit they strayed into Iran's territory.