Iranian Police Clash With Protesters

Banned for life for wristbands showing Mousavi support

(NEWSER) - Iran has barred four of its national soccer players from the field for life after they wore green wristbands during a match last week in apparent support of opposition presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi, an Iranian pro-government newspaper said. Six players wore the bands; most took them off at halftime, the Guardian notes. More»

(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»

Green Revolution muted as protests called off

(AP) - A year to the day after mass protests erupted over election fraud, Mir Hossein Mousavi vowed that Iran's opposition would "continue our peaceful methods"—but the so-called Green Revolution whose momentum threatened to topple the presidency of Mahmoud Ahamdinejad appeared muted. A mass protest planned for today was canceled amid fears of violence and the government's forceful crackdown appeared to be working. More»

February 11 will test regime, international community

(NEWSER) - Feb. 11, the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran, promises to bring tests for all parties with a hand in the nation's fate, writes Gerald Seib. Big marches traditionally herald the anniversary, and members of the opposition movement that has bloomed since last June's election will undoubtedly come out in big numbers. That's the test for Mahmoud "Ahmadinejad and his government, which will have to decide how hard to bring down their iron fist." More»

(NEWSER) - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been sworn in for a second term as president of Iran, one day after the White House finally announced that the US recognized him as the country's elected leader. In his inaugural address, Ahmadinejad took a swipe at the US and European nations that "decided to recognize but not congratulate the new government. Well, no one in Iran is waiting for your messages," he added. More»