Iran vows tough answer to marches

**The Iranian authorities have warned they will “smash” any attempt at protest, amid plans for fresh rallies.**Calls for new demonstrations in the capital Tehran and other cities have been circulating for days on social media and opposition websites.

All gatherings have been banned in a crackdown on mass protests that erupted after the disputed election of 12 June.

There has not been a major rally for nearly two weeks and Tehran’s governor warned no more would be tolerated.

‘Enemies are angry’

Morteza Tamaddon said: “If some individuals plan to have anti-security move through listening to a call by counter-revolutionary networks, they will be smashed under the feet of our aware people,” according to the state news agency Irna.

IRAN UNREST

  • 12 June Presidential election saw incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad re-elected with 63% of vote
  • Main challenger Mir Hossein Mousavi called for result to be annulled, alleging poll fraud
  • Mass street protests saw at least 17 people killed and foreign media restricted
[Q&A: Election aftermath](http://www.paklinks.com/2/low/middle_east/8101621.stm)

Analysis: Crisis set to rage on

“Enemies are angry about the calm after the post-election plots and are trying to damage the peace through foreign, counter-revolutionary and notorious networks.”

According to AP news agency in Iran, mobile phone text messaging services were down for a third day on Thursday.

A similar cut off took place after the election in a step thought to have been aimed at thwarting protest organisers.

Demonstrations have been called to mark Thursday’s anniversary of a Tehran University student’s death 10 years ago during unrest between pro-reform protesters and the loyalist Basij militia.

Small student-led groups have commemorated the event every year since 1999.

On Tuesday, Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad defended his re-election as “the most free held anywhere in the world”.

In a televised address, Mr Ahmadinejad blamed foreign powers for trying to sabotage the vote.

Supporters of runner-up Mir Hossein Mousavi say last month’s presidential poll was rigged.