Iranians stage rival street rallies
Thousands of people have gathered in different areas of Tehran to show their support for both sides in Iran's presidential election dispute.
Pro-government demonstrators celebrated President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's re-election at a rally organised by the country's Islamic regime, which earlier offered to recount some disputed ballots.
Later, supporters of reformist challenger Mir Hossein Mousavi gathered in Vanak Square.
The government has barred foreign media from covering rallies in Tehran - even the state-organised demonstration, where government officials urged the crowd not to let the election divide the nation.
But one foreign correspondent at the pro-reform rally said the "massive" crowd - carrying banners of Mousavi, wearing green headbands and covering their mouths in an apparent defence against tear gas - was marching towards Tajrish Square.
The report could not be independently confirmed due to the media restrictions.
The clerical government appears to be trying to defuse popular anger and quash unrest by announcing the limited recount even as it cracks down on foreign media and shows its strength by calling supporters to the streets.
"This nation will protect and defend its revolution in any way," said loyalist politician Gholam Ali Haddad Adel told the cheering crowd in Vali Asr Square.
Iranian state media said the government organised the rally to demand punishment for those who protested violently after a larger demonstration on Monday by hundreds of thousands of Mousavi supporters.
Mr Mousavi has said he won Friday's ballot and has demanded the government annul Mr Ahmadinejad's victory and conduct a new election.
