A FORMER diplomat accused of trying to smuggle military equipment to Iran has suffered a setback in his fight against moves to extradite him to the US.

Nosratollah Tajik, who served as Iran's ambassador to Jordan from 1999 to 2003, went to the High Court in an attempt to overturn a ruling that he be sent to the US to face charges.

However, the appeal has been rejected, leaving Mr Tajik, who lives in Coxhoe, near Durham City, with days to decide whether to fight on.

A former honorary fellow of Durham University, he could seek leave to appeal to the House of Lords.

Last night, his lawyer confirmed a court judgement had been made, but was unable to comment further.

However, a spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry said Mr Tajik would not appeal, in protest at the "lack of independence of the British judiciary system".

Speaking last week, Mohammad Ali Hosseini said the court ruling was "politically motivated, predetermined and unjust".

The US Government says Mr Tajik was the UK link in an illegal arms network spanning three continents. He is wanted in connection with a sting operation carried out at a London hotel.

Undercover officers from the US Department of Homeland Security posed as arms dealers wanting to sell night vision goggles for export to Iran.

An earlier extradition hearing heard Mr Tajik had been filmed meeting the agents and discussing the subject.

Mr Tajik's lawyers claimed the officers acted illegally and the US was pursuing him because of his religion, nationality and politics.

However, at Westminster Magistrates' Court last year, District Judge Caroline Tubbs ruled it was appropriate for him to be prosecuted in the US.

Last night, a Home Office spokeswoman said Mr Tajik had 14 days following the latest ruling to decide if he will appeal to the House of Lords.

The Home Secretary signed his extradition papers last year and, if no further appeal is made, the extradition could go ahead, she added.

Mr Tajik lives with his wife, Mahboubeh Sadghi'nia and has two sons.

He taught Farsi at Durham University's Institute of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies.