Defectors Say Iran Has Link to 9/11 Attacks

Two defectors from Iran's intelligence service have testified that Iranian officials knew the September 11 attacks were being planned, according to a New York City court filing. One of the defectors claims that Iran was involved in planning the attacks. The suit, which seeks damages on behalf of the families of 9/11 victims, claims that Iran and Hezbollah helped al Qaeda facilitate the hijackers' training and travel, and then helped al Qaeda operatives escape after the attacks. A connection between al Qaeda and Iran—despite Iran's Shiite leadership and al Qaeda's radical Sunni beliefs—has long been debated. The 9/11 Commission report said there was evidence that Iran helped move al Qaeda members, including future 9/11 hijackers, in and out of Afghanistan, but that there was no evidence that Iran or Hezbollah knew the attacks were being planned.