BBC NEWS | Middle East | Iran 'to free UK embassy worker': Via BBC NEWS | Middle East.

The eighth of nine British embassy employees detained by Iranian authorities is to be released later, the UK foreign secretary has said.

David Miliband said "all of our efforts are now directed" at securing the release of the man still being held - the embassy's chief political analyst.

But the lawyer for the Iranian says he has been charged with acting against national security and is facing trial.

Iran has accused Britain of fomenting discontent to undermine its regime.

On Sunday, Iran released a freelance journalist who was arrested last month.

Iason Athanasiadis, who holds dual British and Greek nationality, had been working in Tehran for the Washington Times and was detained as he tried to leave the country.

Held in prison

Mr Miliband said he had learned the "good news" of the eighth release during his daily telephone conversation with Britain's ambassador to Iran.

"[The ambassador] was told by the deputy foreign minister that the eighth person would indeed be released today, that the papers had been signed, that there would not be a court process or charges," Mr Miliband said.

"That leaves one more in custody and all of our efforts are now directed towards getting that person out."

On Saturday, the man's lawyer, Abdolsamad Khorramshahi, said he had been unable to meet him in Evin prison in Tehran where he is being held, or see the text of the indictment.

Mr Miliband said the man was "an honourable, patriotic Iranian, who has been working in a completely open and transparent way for the UK".

"The allegations of improper conduct have absolutely no basis," he said.

Read Original Article:(Via BBC NEWS | Middle East.)