Iran, Anti-government Protest | featured news

Iranians head to the polls Friday in a parliamentary election marking the first nationwide balloting since a disputed vote triggered massive protests nearly three years ago.

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Beset by civil unrest at home and lambasted by the West and his Arab neighbors for his violent crackdown on dissent, Syria's President Bashar al-Assad can count on one firm ally: Iran.

There were reports of sporadic clashes between the police and protesters around Tehran, with reports of arrests varying from a handful to 200.

Witnesses say security forces fired paint balls to disperse anti-government protesters in one of the first clashes during ceremonies to mark the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Administration readies targeted sanctions against parts of Iranian government amid protests there.

Iran threatened tougher action against protesters Tuesday after more than 200 were arrested during marches by tens of thousands at universities across the country, the biggest anti-government rallies in months....

Thousands of protesters streamed down avenues of the capital Thursday, chanting "death to the dictator" and defying security forces who fired tear gas and charged with batons, witnesses said. Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other ...

Iranian police fired in the air to disperse pro-reform demonstrators in central Tehran on Thursday, nearly four weeks after a disputed election triggered mass protests in the capital, a witness said.

The most important group of religious leaders in Iran called the disputed presidential election and the new government illegitimate on Saturday.

The announcement by Iranian authorities to put some embassy staff members on trial for spurring on protests against the government could deepen the diplomatic crisis with the European Union.