Iranian troops attack street protestors

Iranian riot troops attacked anti-government protesters with batons and tear gas today during state-backed rallies marking the 30th anniversary of the storming of the US Embassy in Tehran.

Security forces – mainly paramilitary units from the Revolutionary Guard - swept through an opposition march in the city centre clubbing some protesters and kicking and slapping others.

The clashes happened in Haf-e-Tir Square – about half a mile from the annual anti-American gathering outside the former US Embassy.

The state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported that police used tear gas in other parts of the city to disperse protesters, making their first major show of force on the streets since September.

Iranian authorities had warned protesters against attempts to disrupt or overshadow the annual gathering outside the former embassy, which was stormed by militants in 1979 in the turbulent months after the Islamic Revolution. More than 50 Americans were held hostage for 444 days.

Security forces fanned out around Tehran at daybreak after opposition leaders refused to call off their appeals for counter protests.

Volunteer militiamen linked to the Revolutionary Guard patrolled the streets on motorcycles – a familiar sight during the unrest following President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s re-election in June.

Many marchers wore green scarves or wristbands that symbolised the campaign of Mir Housein Mousavi, who claims Ahmadinejad stole the election through vote fraud. Mr Mousavi and his allies, including former President Mohammad Khatami, appeared to encourage opposition protesters to return to the streets.

The clashes and confrontations marked the first significant public display of opposition unity since marches in late September that coincided with state-sponsored protests against Israel.

Authorities appeared determined to avoid opposition rallies overshadowing the 30th anniversary of the embassy takeover.

Thousands of people gathered outside the former embassy, waving anti-American banners and signs praising the Islamic Revolution.

The main speaker, hard-line politician Gholam Ali Haddad Adel, denounced the United States as the main enemy of Iran. He did not mention the talks with the West, including the United States, on Iran’s nuclear program.