News In Brief

Iran reports gains in drive against Iraq in mountains

Iran said Thursday it had captured Iraqi territory after launching the third phase of a Persian Gulf war offensive in the Kurdish Mountains. Tehran Radio said new assault was centered on Iraqi positions in the Kurdish Mountains, northwest of the Iraqi border town of Penjwin. Iraq said it would use all available means to cut short the Iranian drive.

Meanwhile in Paris, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tareq Aziz said in a newspaper interview to be published today that France delivered five Super-Etendard fighter-bombers to Iraq last month. The French Defense Ministry refused to confirm or deny the report and said a communique might be issued later.