Saudi bombing charges 'close'

The Khobar Towers was blown up in 1996

By Middle East analyst Roger Hardy

Officials in the United States say they are preparing to bring charges against a number of people implicated in a bomb attack against a military base in Saudi Arabia in 1996.

Nineteen American servicemen were killed in the attack, which led to a long and often frustrating inquiry by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The issue is so sensitive that, even now, US officials are saying very little.

The FBI's Louis Freeh fought the White House

But they have revealed they expect to issue a number of indictments soon.

Reports from Washington suggest those charged will be Saudi citizens.

Some US and Saudi officials have long suspected that Iran was behind the attack.

The head of the FBI, Louis Freeh, is thought to have become convinced of this.

But his pursuit of justice came into collision with the Clinton administration's desire for better relations with Iran.

Having doggedly continued his investigation - despite disputes with the State Department and the White House, and a lack of co-operation from the Saudis - Mr Freeh will now feel vindicated if charges are brought before he leaves office at the end of this month.

The US is wary of Iran despite Mr Khatami

But even if no Iranians are charged, Iran's alleged involvement seems likely to be mentioned in the indictments.

So the issue adds one more complication to the Bush administration's review of US policy towards Iran.

It has welcomed the re-election of the reformist president, Mohammed Khatami - but continues to believe Iran is a sponsor of terrorism.