U.K. to send Iran missile suspect to U.S. courts

LONDON - Britain's High Court says a retired businessman who allegedly plotted to sell missile components to Iran cannot appeal against his extradition to the United States.

Two judges said Tuesday that Christopher Tappin could not take his fight against extradition to Britain's Supreme Court.

U.S. authorities say Tappin offered in 2006 to sell Iranians specialized batteries for Hawk missiles for $25,000, not knowing that his contacts were undercover U.S. agents. Two other men have been jailed in Texas over the plot.

Tappin denies the charges and says he was the victim of a sting operation by the U.S. government.

A judge ruled last year that 64-year-old Tappin should be extradited. He faces up to 35 years in jail if convicted in the U.S.