The World - News from Oct. 14, 1988

Iran has told the United States it is not interested in dealing with unauthorized individuals over the release of American hostages in Lebanon, Assistant Secretary of State Richard W. Murphy told the House subcommittee on Europe and the Middle East. Iran’s message was part of communications conducted through Switzerland and other nations with diplomatic ties to Iran, Murphy said. He reiterated that the United States has not authorized anyone to strike deals with Iran over the release of the hostages, believed to be held by pro-Iranian militants. “We have made sure through those same channels I referred to that the government of Iran has received that same message . . . ,” Murphy added.