Clashes in Iran

Iranian troops have been conducting military exercises

State radio in Iran says government forces have killed dozens of armed members of the Iraqi-based opposition People's Mujahedeen, following heavy clashes in the west of the country.

The Mujahedeen has in turn reported that they killed hundreds of Iranian soldiers after a series of operations.

There is no independent verification of either report.

Military sources in Iran said the Mujahedeen forces were beaten back at the city of Meymeh in the border province of Ilam.

The report said three Iranian soldiers were killed in the battle but government forces recovered explosives and weapons after the Mujahedeen fired several rounds of shells and mortars at Iranian positions.

A Mujahadeen statement said a 10-hour battle had taken place between their forces and Iranian Government troops who tried to enter their territory inside Iraq.

Correspondents say the presence of the Iranian opposition on Iraqi soil has held up a full peace agreement between the two countries following the 1980-1988 war.