Release of diplomat by Pakistan paved way for close Iran-Al Qaida ties
Western diplomats said the Teheran regime began to improve relations with Al Qaida in March 2010 in wake of the release of an abducted Iranian diplomat in Pakistan identified as Heshmatollah Attarzadeh. They said Teheran agreed to improve conditions for Al Qaida operatives in Iran, particularly those close to then-commander Osama bin Laden.