Unconfirmed reports said they were held under house arrest by the Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

BBC: Sulaiman Abu Ghaith to be tried in New York

Surprisingly, many Americans know little about the IRGC although it wields considerable security, political and economic clout in Iran.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Time to get tough with Iran and the IRGC

Meanwhile, Mr Ahmadinejad has forwarded a cabinet list for parliamentary approval that reflects the influence of his IRGC cronies.

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