Iran builds new centre for Jews

Tehran - Iran started building a huge new cultural and sports complex for its Jewish minority in central Tehran on Sunday, billing the project as proof of the freedom enjoyed by its religious minorities.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Mohammad Saidi-Kia broke the ground for the new building alongside Morris Motamed, the representative of Iran's Jewish community in parliament, the official IRNA news agency reported.

The total cost for the project is 30bn rials ($3.2m) and the building will extend for 6 800 square metres, about half of which will be devoted to sport and half to cultural activities, Motamed said.

It is expected to be finished in two and a half years.