American's family asks Iran to drop or lower bail

TEHRAN, Iran — A day after Iran offered a detained American woman a chance for release on $500,000 bail, her family countered with a request Monday to drop or lower the sum because they are struggling to raise the cash.

The appeal — delivered by Swiss diplomats, who handle U.S. affairs in Iran — was another potential snag in a process already complicated by political feuds among Iran's leadership and questions over how a payment could be made for Sarah Shourd's freedom without violating international sanctions.

There's been no immediate word from Iranian authorities on the bid by Shourd's family to drop or reduce her bail, said her attorney, Masoud Shafiei. But it comes as powerful voices within Iran challenge the decision to grant bail to the reportedly ailing Shourd, who was detained along the Iraq border in July 2009 with two American friends who are also jailed and face spy charges.

The Revolutionary Guard — the country's military and economic powerhouse — used its allies in the Fars news agency to issue a sharply worded commentary decrying the move as a slap against Iran's security and intelligence services. A lawmaker, Ahmad Tavakkoli, called the possible release a "bonus for Quran burners" in a clear reference to anti-Muslim factions in the United States.

There was a time when no one in Iran dared question the country's judiciary, which is directly under the wing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But now various groups are vying for a bigger slice of power after last year's disputed re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the unrest that followed.

Pressure from the Revolutionary Guard, which backs Ahmadinejad, could push the courts into a corner over Shourd's case. Dropping or lowering the bail could bring even more anger and political skirmishes.

Shortly after judicial officials announced the bail, Shourd's lawyer predicted she could walk free in "two or three days." On Monday, however, he described a complex back and forth between Iranian authorities and her family.

"I am aware the Swiss are making this appeal," Shafiei said. "I remain hopeful. God willing, she will be released."

Shourd's mother says she has serious medical problems, including a breast lump and precancerous cervical cells.