Iranian-born Daniel James is on trial for allegedly trying to pass information to insurgents and their supporters opposed to U.S.-led coalition operations in Afghanistan, the Daily Mail reported Monday.

James, 45, who worked in 2006 for Gen. David Richards, the commander of international forces in Afghanistan, felt he had been overlooked for promotion and discriminated against, the British newspaper reported.

James, a British citizen, is alleged to have exchanged e-mails and telephone calls with Iranian military personnel at the Iranian embassy in Kabul in 2006, the Mail reported.

Prosecutors allege James had access to sensitive military information but was not able to distribute it because his activities were detected and he subsequently was arrested.

James has insisted he was set up by colleagues who didn't like him.