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'Clashes erupt' in Iran's capital 'Fatal clashes erupt' in Tehran
(20 minutes later)
Fierce clashes have erupted between Iranian security forces and opposition demonstrators trying to gather in the centre of the capital, Tehran.Fierce clashes have erupted between Iranian security forces and opposition demonstrators trying to gather in the centre of the capital, Tehran.
Unconfirmed reports say at least one person has been shot dead.Unconfirmed reports say at least one person has been shot dead.
Iranian opposition parties had called on people to take to the streets as the Shia Muslim festival of Ashura reached a climax.Iranian opposition parties had called on people to take to the streets as the Shia Muslim festival of Ashura reached a climax.
People were chanting "Khamenei will be toppled", opposition sources said, a reference to Iran's Supreme Leader.People were chanting "Khamenei will be toppled", opposition sources said, a reference to Iran's Supreme Leader.
Initial reports said the security forces were firing in the air as they moved to disperse demonstrators, but there are several different reports all saying that at least one, and possibly as many as three demonstrators, have been shot dead. Initial reports said the security forces fired in the air as they moved to disperse demonstrators, but there are several different reports all saying that at least one, and possibly as many as four demonstrators, have been shot dead.
That would be a major change of tactics by the security forces, says BBC Tehran correspondent Jon Leyne.
Foreign media are banned from reporting directly on opposition demonstrations and the reported deaths could not be independently verified.Foreign media are banned from reporting directly on opposition demonstrations and the reported deaths could not be independently verified.
Although there were deaths in the immediate aftermath of the disputed elections and protests in June, fatalities since then have been rare.
The security forces clearly have to tread a fine line between not appearing weak but also not provoking opposition protesters, says Siavash Ardalan of BBC Persian TV.
Police helicopters were seen flying over central Tehran as clouds of black smoke billowed into the sky, reports said.Police helicopters were seen flying over central Tehran as clouds of black smoke billowed into the sky, reports said.
On the ground, the security forces clashed with protesters trying to reach central Enghelab Square, witnesses said.On the ground, the security forces clashed with protesters trying to reach central Enghelab Square, witnesses said.
Protesters were chanting, "This is the month of blood", and calling for the downfall of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to opposition websites.Protesters were chanting, "This is the month of blood", and calling for the downfall of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to opposition websites.
Opposition sources say protesters are regrouping and more people are arriving in central Tehran.Opposition sources say protesters are regrouping and more people are arriving in central Tehran.
Protests were also reported in the cities of Isfahan and Najafabad.
Disputed electionDisputed election
Tensions have risen in Iran since influential dissident cleric Grand Ayatollah Hoseyn Ali Montazeri died a week ago aged 87.Tensions have risen in Iran since influential dissident cleric Grand Ayatollah Hoseyn Ali Montazeri died a week ago aged 87.
Supporters of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi have sought to use Shia religious festivals this weekend to show continued defiance of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's government.Supporters of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi have sought to use Shia religious festivals this weekend to show continued defiance of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's government.
Denied the right to protest, the opposition chose the highly significant festival of Ashura when millions of Iranians traditionally go onto the streets for ceremonies and parades, BBC Tehran correspondent Jon Leyne says.Denied the right to protest, the opposition chose the highly significant festival of Ashura when millions of Iranians traditionally go onto the streets for ceremonies and parades, BBC Tehran correspondent Jon Leyne says.
The festival mourns the 7th Century death of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.The festival mourns the 7th Century death of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
Mr Mousavi came second in the June election, and anger at the result saw mass protests in Tehran and other cities that led to thousands of arrests and some deaths.Mr Mousavi came second in the June election, and anger at the result saw mass protests in Tehran and other cities that led to thousands of arrests and some deaths.
Mr Mousavi has said the poll, that returned President Ahmadinejad to power, was fraudulent.Mr Mousavi has said the poll, that returned President Ahmadinejad to power, was fraudulent.