A recent Iranian report said 140 million prized sturgeon had disappeared.

There was no Iraqi comment on the Iranian reports of use of chemical weapons.

Last Sunday, bombs were dropped on a residential area of northern Teheran, killing a 55-year-old man and two children, according to Iranian reports.

The Iranian report said the two men had been handed over to Lebanese security officials but gave no further details.

The official Saudi radio described the Iranian report as "lies and fabrication."

The Iranian report also asserted that 5,000 Kurds had been taken hostage in Kirkuk.

Iraq denied Iranian reports that 5,000 Iraqi troops were killed in the border fighting.

Ms. Oakley said she had not seen the Iranian report.

No similar Iraqi or Iranian reports have been made available.

There was no independent confirmation of the Iranian report.