President Khatami of Iran has nominated the chief military prosecutor, Ali Yunesi, as the new intelligence minister following the resignation of the minister on Tuesday over a scandal involving the killing of dissidents.

Mr Yenesi was a member of the three man team which conducted an investigation into the murder of government critics by members of the intelligence services.

A BBC Iranian affairs analayst says he has close links with conservatives and is seen as a compromise candidate who is likely to be approved by the parliament, which is dominated by conservatives.