Obama challenges Iran government

President Barack Obama today challenged Iran’s government to stop “all violent and unjust actions against its own people”.

His comments came as a post-election crackdown against protesters in Tehran grew more violent.

Police in the Iranian capital beat protesters and fired tear gas and water cannons at thousands who rallied in open defiance of Iran’s clerical government. At least seven people have died since the unrest began days ago.

President Obama said in a statement that the universal rights to assembly and free speech must be respected.

He said the US “stands with all who seek to exercise those rights”.