Iran makes arrests before revolution day rally

TEHERAN: Iran has arrested several people who were preparing to disrupt rallies today marking the 1979 Islamic revolution, police said yesterday, in a clear warning to opposition supporters planning new protests.

Opposition leaders have called on supporters to take to the streets today, raising the risk of renewed violence eight months after a disputed election plunged Iran into crisis.

The authorities say the pro-reform opposition will face a firm response if it tries to hijack state-sponsored celebrations of the anniversary, when they say the Iranian nation in a display of unity will "punch the faces" of its Western enemies.