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Call for day of mourning in Iran Call for day of mourning in Iran
(about 1 hour later)
More mass protests are expected in the Iranian capital after presidential challenger Mir Hossein Mousavi urged followers to observe a day of mourning.More mass protests are expected in the Iranian capital after presidential challenger Mir Hossein Mousavi urged followers to observe a day of mourning.
Mr Mousavi called on supporters to stage peaceful protests or gather at mosques in memory of eight people killed after a Tehran rally on Monday.Mr Mousavi called on supporters to stage peaceful protests or gather at mosques in memory of eight people killed after a Tehran rally on Monday.
He is demanding a re-run of last week's presidential election.He is demanding a re-run of last week's presidential election.
A growing number of activists, politicians and journalists have been arrested as the protests continue.A growing number of activists, politicians and journalists have been arrested as the protests continue.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected with almost two-thirds of the votes, but the opposition claims there was widespread fraud.President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected with almost two-thirds of the votes, but the opposition claims there was widespread fraud.
Mr Mousavi is urging his followers to wear black at Thursday's protests in mourning for those shot by members of the pro-government Basij volunteer militia on Monday.Mr Mousavi is urging his followers to wear black at Thursday's protests in mourning for those shot by members of the pro-government Basij volunteer militia on Monday.
ANALYSIS Jon Leyne, BBC News, Tehran ANALYSIS Jim Muir, Former BBC Tehran correspondent
Another day of huge demonstrations is in prospect, as the opposition calls a day of mourning for those killed in previous protests. The crisis in Iran has moved far beyond a dispute over election results. It has turned into a struggle over the balance of power in the country, and Iran's future orientation.
Mir Hossein Mousavi has called his followers to come out dressed in black. He has also called for the growing number of people arrested to be released. That balance is being fought over in a symbiotic struggle that is taking place both behind the political scenes and, through rival displays of people power, on the streets of Tehran and other cities.
The Iranian authorities have stepped up their attacks on foreign governments for what they have described as illegal, interfering and adventurous remarks. A number of Western ambassadors have been summoned to the foreign ministry. Years of contradictions have come to a head in the current crisis.
Official media are encouraging Iranians from across the country to attend Friday prayers, and offering transport. They will be addressed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The Iranian leadership has in the past shown ingenuity and flexibility in facing serious challenges.
This is probably greater than any, and it goes to the heart of the system. It is unlikely to be easily or quickly resolved.
Heavy restrictions have been placed on the BBC and other foreign news organisations. Reporters are not allowed to cover unauthorised gatherings or move around freely in Tehran - but there are no controls over what they can write or say.Heavy restrictions have been placed on the BBC and other foreign news organisations. Reporters are not allowed to cover unauthorised gatherings or move around freely in Tehran - but there are no controls over what they can write or say.
The gatherings are expected to draw even larger numbers than a rally on Wednesday, which saw tens of thousands of people march in silence through the centre of Tehran.The gatherings are expected to draw even larger numbers than a rally on Wednesday, which saw tens of thousands of people march in silence through the centre of Tehran.
Estimates put the number of protesters at between 70,000 and 500,000.Estimates put the number of protesters at between 70,000 and 500,000.
Mr Mousavi's call for further action on Thursday is in open defiance of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who will deliver the sermon at Friday prayers and is expected to appeal for calm.Mr Mousavi's call for further action on Thursday is in open defiance of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who will deliver the sermon at Friday prayers and is expected to appeal for calm.
Authorities have promised a recount of the disputed votes - but the opposition is demanding the election be held again.Authorities have promised a recount of the disputed votes - but the opposition is demanding the election be held again.
Meanwhile, the Iranian government complained to foreign ambassadors on Wednesday about what it called "meddlesome" and "impertinent" comments made about Iran's internal affairs.Meanwhile, the Iranian government complained to foreign ambassadors on Wednesday about what it called "meddlesome" and "impertinent" comments made about Iran's internal affairs.
Among those summoned to the foreign ministry was the Swiss envoy who represents US interests in Iran. Iranian officials complained about Washington's "interventionist approach" on the election issue, but the White House has denied the accusation.Among those summoned to the foreign ministry was the Swiss envoy who represents US interests in Iran. Iranian officials complained about Washington's "interventionist approach" on the election issue, but the White House has denied the accusation.
It's changing the way Iranians see the supreme leader and the system in general Meir JavedanfarIranian affairs analyst In pictures: Protests unabated Eyewitness: Iran protests Bridget Kendall: History lessons EBRAHIM YAZDI Former aide to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, leader of the 1979 revolutionFormer deputy prime minister and the Islamic Republic's first foreign ministerNow leader of the banned but tolerated pro-democracy Freedom Movement of IranAged around 76 and in ill health In pictures: Protests unabated Eyewitness: Iran protests Bridget Kendall: History lessons
Iranian authorities have also rounded up pro-reform figures and tried to further muzzle web sites and social networks used by opposition supporters to broadcast information and images of events in Tehran.Iranian authorities have also rounded up pro-reform figures and tried to further muzzle web sites and social networks used by opposition supporters to broadcast information and images of events in Tehran.
Among those reportedly detained on Wednesday were newspaper editor Saeed Laylaz and Hamid Reza Jalaipour, an activist and journalist.
Ebrahim Yazdi, a foreign minister after the 1979 revolution and now leader of the Freedom Movement of Iran, was arrested while undergoing tests at a hospital in Tehran, a spokesman for his organisation said.Ebrahim Yazdi, a foreign minister after the 1979 revolution and now leader of the Freedom Movement of Iran, was arrested while undergoing tests at a hospital in Tehran, a spokesman for his organisation said.
Members of the Basij militia have also reportedly raided universities in several Iranian cities, ransacking dormitories and beating up some students.
Act of defiance
In another show of defiance on Wednesday, six footballers playing for Iran's national team appeared in a World Cup qualifier in Seoul, South Korea, wearing armbands in the green associated with Mr Mousavi.In another show of defiance on Wednesday, six footballers playing for Iran's national team appeared in a World Cup qualifier in Seoul, South Korea, wearing armbands in the green associated with Mr Mousavi.
Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger speaks on Iran
Iranian affairs analyst Meir Javedanfar said the protests had forced Ayatollah Ali Khamenei into the centre of an escalating crisis and had broken taboos about questioning his final word on important matters.
"It's changing the way Iranians see the supreme leader and the system in general. That opens up the system in ways it's never faced before."
The BBC's Jon Leyne says the disputed election has stirred up strong feelings in a population frustrated about a government and a system that fails to meet their aspirations.The BBC's Jon Leyne says the disputed election has stirred up strong feelings in a population frustrated about a government and a system that fails to meet their aspirations.
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