Troops moving to Tehran - reports

An Iranian opposition website today said the government was moving troops and armoured military vehicles to the capital on the day supporters of opposition leader Mir-Hossein Mousavi planned to hold a rally.

‘Hundreds of military forces and tens of armoured vehicles … are moving towards Tehran. Some of the vehicles are used for suppressing street riots,’ the Jaras website said.

The report could not be confirmed independently.

Jaras also said security forces had a heavy presence in various Tehran squares ahead of the planned opposition rally.

Iran’s police chief warned supporters of Mr Mousavi of harsh treatment if they joined illegal anti-government rallies.

In Iran’s bloodiest unrest since the aftermath of the disputed 12 June presidential election, eight people were killed on Sunday and at least 20 pro-reform figures, including three senior advisers to Mr Mousavi, were arrested. Read more at www.rte.ie