Iran says it has arrested 150 foreign infiltrators and is questioning them over possible links to the al-Qaida terrorist organization.

Reports in Iran's state media quoting unnamed officials say those arrested are nationals of Arab, African and European countries.

They were reportedly captured in recent weeks after crossing into Iran from Pakistan in an area that is near Afghanistan. The arrests are reported to have been made following October 7, when U.S.-led forces began military strikes in Afghanistan in the war against terrorism.

A Dutch official quoted by the French news agency says one of those detained has a Dutch passport and that Dutch officials are trying to meet with him.

The Iranian reports say some of those arrested also include women and children.

Reports by western news organizations also quoting unnamed Iranian officials say the detainees might soon be handed over to their home governments.

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