Iran warns opposition before anti-US rally

AP - By NASSER KARIMI and BRIAN MURPHY

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The head of Tehran's anti-riot police threatened opposition protesters Tuesday with a full-scale assault if they return to the streets during government-backed events marking the takeover of the U.S. Embassy.

Reformist leaders, however, have shown no sign of backing off their calls for marches to compete with Wednesday's state-sanctioned gatherings -- which include an annual anti-American rally outside the brick walls of the former embassy compound.

Both sides have much on the line for an anniversary that is among the most potent symbols of the Islamic Revolution three decades ago.

Opposition groups seek to display their resiliency and resolve after relentless pressure from authorities. The forces of the Islamic establishment, however, appear ready to crush any attempt to revive the mass demonstrations that followed the disputed re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in June.

The head of Tehran's anti-riot units, Gen. Ali Reza Alipour, said police would use all their "power and capacity" against protesters. Tehran's prosecutor, Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi, said even chants that "deviate" from the official ceremonies could bring arrest.

On Monday, the powerful Revolutionary Guard -- which led the postelection crackdown -- warned opposition groups against disrupting the ceremonies.

But the opposition appeared determined not to lose the moment.

Dozens of pro-reform Web sites issued appeals to join protests. The calls were given a boost last week by defiant statements from opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi and former President Mohammad Khatami -- vowing that their challenges to the system are not flagging.

It's been more than six weeks, however, since opposition groups have managed a show of force in public. At that time, tens of thousands of protesters -- marching sholder-to-shoulder -- chanted "Death to the dictator" and clashed with police during state-run anti-Israel rallies despite harsh warnings by the Guards.

But the anniversary of the embassy seizure has an even higher value in the official propaganda calendar. A huge police presence is likely across the capital to try to snuff out any protest marches on the 30th anniversary of the takeover.

Each year, thousands of school children and others are bused to the gates of the former embassy -- often called the "Den of Spies" by Iranian officials -- and wave anti-American placards as speakers denounce Washington and Israel.

Among the honored guests are some of those who stormed the embassy 30 years ago after the United States failed to send the ousted monarch back to Iran for trial. Fifty-two Americans were held hostage for 444 days.