Iran Businessman Had 12 Relatives on Jetliner
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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — An Iranian businessman who lost 12 family members in the downing of an Iran Air jetliner Sunday was among dozens of people who crowded the airline’s office in Dubai, clamoring for information.
“I don’t know what has happened to them. . . ,” said Darihan Hemati, 40. “I don’t know if I will ever see them again.”
Hemati said that among his 12 relatives believed aboard the plane were a brother, cousin and five children aged 8 months to 10 years. All lived in the United Arab Emirates.
He said they had gone to Iran on business and to visit friends.
“A mistake? Is an Airbus an F-14? Is that a mistake?” one man shouted, referring to an initial claim by U.S. officials that the downed plane was an Iranian F-14 fighter.
Weekend flights from Iran to Dubai, a major gulf trading center, are often packed with Iranian shoppers and business people who come to buy electronic goods and jewelry.
About 80,000 Iranians live in the United Arab Emirates, many working as traders bringing carpets, fruit and vegetables across from Iran to sell in markets.
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