Iran 'Retires' Soccer Players Over Protest

(NEWSER) - Iran's official Guardian Council has declared absolutely that the nation's controversial presidential election will stand, reports CNN. "If a major breach occurs in an election, the Guardian Council may annul the votes," said a spokesman. "Fortunately, we found no witness of major fraud or breach in the election. Therefore, there is no possibility of an annulment taking place." More»

Tear gas, beatings mark 30th anniversary of US Embassy takeover

(AP) - Iranian security forces beat anti-government protesters with batons and fired tear gas today on the sidelines of state-sanctioned rallies in Tehran to mark the 30th anniversary of the US Embassy takeover. While pro-government demonstrators chanted "death to America" outside the former embassy, opposition marchers nearby cried "death to the dictator." Security forces swept through several hundred demonstrators in the city center, clubbing, kicking, and slapping protesters. More»

Top council makes decision

(NEWSER) - After partially recounting ballots, Iran’s top legislators have confirmed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the victor in the country’s presidential election, the BBC reports. The decision by the 12-member, conservative-controlled Guardian Council was announced on state television and follows weeks of protests in which some 17 are believed to have died. The recount found no voting irregularities, Iranian TV reported. More»

Iranian opposition leader may be under house arrest

(NEWSER) - Mir Hossein Mousavi said today that the Iranian regime has pressured him to drop his challenges to the disputed election, but that he would resist any efforts to abridge his "constitutional right to protest." The opposition leader has not been seen in public for days, reports the Guardian, and he wrote on his website today that his "access to people is completely restricted"—reinforcing speculation he might be detained or under house arrest. More»

Demonstrations may be largest yet; violence reaches across country

(NEWSER) - The Iranian regime is resorting to more extreme measures against supporters of Mir Hossein Mousavi and other reformers, reports the Times of London, as the opposition planned yet another massive rally against alleged electoral fraud. Despite dozens of high-profile arrests and raids on universities, thousands are expected to join Mousavi today for a march today in Tehran—wearing black in mourning for those killed in the protests. More»