Iran pledges $20 million to groups opposing the West

Tehran: Iranian state radio says the country's parliament has approved a bill earmarking US$20 million to support groups opposing the West.

It was not immediately clear which groups would receive funding from Iran, but Tehran already backs Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The report says the money will also be used to investigate alleged US and British human rights abuses and plots against Iran.

State radio said Sunday a committee that includes representatives from the intelligence and foreign ministries will decide how to divide the budget.

The move is seen as a reaction to US and British criticism of Iran's violent crackdown on protests after the disputed June presidential election.