The Latest from Iran (18 September): Qods Day

NEW Qods Day Video Special: The Black-and-White Soccer Game
NEW Iran's Qods Day: The Participants Speak
Qods Day: The Discussion Continues
Iran Qods Day: Snap Analysis and Summary Translation of Ahmadinejad Speech
NEW Iran Video: Qods Day Protests (18 September)
UPDATED Iran: The Full NBC TV Interview with President Ahmadinejad
NEW Iran: What’s at Stake on Qods Day for Green Movement and Regime?
Iran: So, What Are the Green Movement’s Goals Tomorrow?


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2135 GMT: The Best Rumour of the Day (1745 GMT) is now Fun Fact of the Day. Iranian state television did show tonight's football match in black-and-white, and we've got the video.

2040 GMT: An Important Note to Close (For Now). I was going to hold this until morning, but as a reader has noted on the discussion thread, it is far too important a development to be treated lightly.

Advar reports what we have been observing since yesterday: there are worrying signs that the Internet is being strangled inside Iran, with slowing speeds. An EA correspondent adds reports from Iran that other services, such as Yahoo Messenger and Gmail, are unreachable and anti-filter mechanism are also almost completely down. He asks, "Could this be the start of the Government's [next] crackdown?"

2006 GMT: I'm Going to Tell You One More Time, New York Times (1155 GMT). Your headline writer has his priorities wrong: "Amid Large Protests, Iran Leader Calls Holocaust a Lie".

Here's your rewrite: "Despite President's Israel Diversion, Large Protests Challenge Government".

(I swear that I wrote this seven minutes before reading this from the National Iranian American  Council, "The NYT editors need some help today. Their coverage shouldn’t be entitled, 'Amid Large Protests, Iran Leader Calls Holocaust a Lie'. The real headline should be 'Thousands Protest at Rallies Despite Threats'.")

1950 GMT: A Good Mystery to End the Night: Why Did Ali Larijani Meet the Clerics?

Tehran Bureau, drawing from Tabnak, has part but only part of the story: "Majlis [Parliament] speaker Ali Larijani has secretly met with Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem-Shirazi at his residence in Qom." The full story is that Larijani met not only Makarem-Shirazi but also Ayatollahs Nouri-Hamedani and Safi-Golpaygani to "discuss current important issues of the country".

So why has Larijani sat down with three clerics who have criticised the Government to varying degrees, including one (Safi-Golpaygani) who was castigated by the Supreme Leader for sending a letter criticising the Cabinet? Try this: just as Larijani, acting for Ayatollah Khamenei, called in Mehdi Karroubi at the start of this week to ask him to quiet down, now he is carrying the Supreme Leader's message that it would be best for all concerned if everyone stepped back from public criticism.

The problem for Larijani and Khamenei is that today's demonstrations are likely to embolden the senior clerics, making it more difficult to bring them in line.

1845 GMT: Two New Entries. Because of all the great discussion amongst the readers, we've started a new thread for debate.

And, thanks to an excellent EA source, we've got first-hand observations from participants in marches in five different locations across Tehran. The Best Rumour of the Day about the Football Match (1745 GMT)? It's true. The heckling of Ahmadinejad when he was talking with IRIB Channel 2 after his speech ("Ahmadi, Ahmadi, Resign, Resign!")? Also very true.

1745 GMT: Best Rumour of Day. "Only parts of today's soccer match were televised [by state media], in black and white without sound, hiding green effects and chants."

And it gets better: "State TV sports commentator says we only have one camera at the soccer match and it is not functioning."

1738 GMT: Picture. (Tens of) Thousand(s of) Words. How big were the rallies? Well, going through the visual evidence including this entry's photo, taken in Azadi Square, we will now say that "tens of thousands" were marching and demonstrating today.

1733 GMT: Another Arrest. Fatemeh Dardkeshan, daughter of the reformist activist (and student of Ayatollah Montazeri) Mahmoud Dardkeshan, has been detained.

1732 GMT: The Jostling of Khatami. This photo of the former President being bumped into retreat (reminiscent of Mehdi Karroubi being jostled at the 17 July Friday Prayers of Hashemi Rafsanjani) has emerged.



1730 GMT: Reports that SMS is being reconnected in Tehran.

1700 GMT: The buzz is still about whether or not Mir Hoseein Mousavi showed up today, with the claim of a second photograph and a new report from "a witness" claiming that "supporters rushed Mousavi into his car when the hard-liners approached". To be honest with you (and foreshadowing our Saturday analysis), however, the issue is not as much about the authenticity of the pictures as it is the legitimacy of Mousavi's leadership.

"Everyone" knows that Mehdi Karroubi made a stand by appearing at the rallies today. "Everyone" knows that Mohammad Khatami went to the rally and was jostled into retreat. But not everyone knows that Mousavi made a public stand. They are not certain if he participated and, if he did so, whether he was with the protestors or "pro-Government" crowds.

In other words, Mousavi has done a lot with written statements since July but writing in this case is cheap. What is at issue here is whether Mousavi (as he did early in the crisis) is a public face as well as an author for "The Green Path of Hope".

1530 GMT: Radio Farda says 800 protesters have gathered in front of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting buildings in north Tehran.

1450 GMT: Internet is still buzzing with reports of clashes inside and outside Tehran. One that has received press support is of a crackdown by security forces in Isfahan.

1420 GMT: Josh Shahryar has written concisely and effectively about the issues surrounding the claimed picture of Mir Hossein Mousavi at today's rally (see 1335 GMT).

1415 GMT: More Cyber-Wars. Rah-e-Sabz reports that it, like other sites such as Mowj-e-Sabz, has been under attack. The site claims that much of the Internet in Iran was cut off or restricted in anticipation of today's rallies.

1400 GMT: A Journalist's Ponderings. Hard on the heels of her interview with President Ahmadinejad, NBC's Ann Curry offers this exclusive insight, "Ahmadinejad on Twitter: 'I don't have a problem with it. But it should not be used for wrong purposes.'"

So has this posted because Ms Curry is in agreement with her interviewee, considering Twitter to be a dangerous inconvenience to proper politics and journalism? Or could she, after the follies of NBC's excursion to Iran, be reflecting that the President sees Twitter as more of a threat --- opening avenues of information and analysis --- than the woman who just interviewed him?

1335 GMT: Mousavi Mystery. As Afshin has noted in comments below, there is a photograph which claims to be of Mir Hossein Mousavi at the Qods Day rally today. There is a great deal of confusion, as the photograph has been posted by the Facebook site run by supporters of Mousavi and by Mehr News, which claims it shows Mousavi supporting a pro-Government rally.

For now, we're treating the picture as suspect and a possible weapon in a war of information/disinformation, as there has been no other indication that Mousavi made it to the rally today.

1315 GMT: More Arrests of Clerics' Relatives? Mowj-e-Sabz reports, "In the protests today, Hamed, Naser and Hajar Montazeri - grandchildren of Ay Montazeri were arrested. Marzia Elahinia, Hamed Montazeri's wife, and Sara Azizi, Naser Montazeri's wife, were also arrested. Ayatollah Rabbani's daughter Loya Rabbani and her daughter Zahra Dostmohammadi and Mohammad Hossein Rabbani another of his grandchildren were also arrested."

Some confusion here as three of Montazeri's grandchildren were reported to have been arrested earlier this week and it is unclear if there are more grandchildren being arrested, the same grandchildren being detained again, or a mix of two reports. In any case, the regime's pressure on the senior clerics who are challeging it is now very apparent.

1250 GMT: And Yes, Virginia, There is a Khatami. Mohammad Khatami was at the Qods Day rally today, if only briefly. Parleman News posts a set of pictures, two of which we've reproduced. The first is Khatami's arrival; the second may be an indication of the security forces' response that forced Khatami to leave.



1155

1155 GMT: We've moved Mr Smith's outstanding near-live translation of the Ahmadinejad speech from our updates to a separate entry, together with his snap analysis of the President's language and strategy.

I've only seen the headlines on "mainstream" coverage of the speech, but I'll put down a marker. Any news service that frames this as "Ahmadinejad Revives Holocaust Myth" (oh, look, The New York Times has just fulfilled our prediction) or "Ahmadinejad Bashes Israel" is missing the big picture. The real story is that Ahmadinejad avoided comment on the challenge to him within Iran, so the Israel angle is simply a high-profile diversion (and one that I suspect will work with most "Western" journalists).

The second smokescreen, thanks to NBC's supposed masterpiece of coverage, will be incessant recycling of Ahmadinejad's comments on talks with the US over Iran's nuclear programme, ignoring what should have been today's focus on the Qods Day rallies.

1120 GMT: Cyber-Attacks. After Parleman News reported last night that it is being filtered by the Government, preventing access inside Iran, the Green movement's site Mowj-e-Sabz is now down.

1100 GMT: Yes, Virginia, There is a Mehdi. Confirmation that Mehdi Karroubi was at the Qods Day rally today comes in a video posted on the Facebook pages of Mir Hossein Mousavi. We're now posting it in our video section.

1045 GMT: Rah-e-Sabz posts an overview of protests, arrests, and clashes in "Bushehr, Rasht, Tabriz, Isfahan, Shiraz, Isfahan, Ahvaz, Mashhad...."

1030 GMT: How Big? As you can appreciate, we are erring on side of caution in making projections on size of rally. But, looking across video evidence (some of it posted in our separate entry), I would now go beyond "several thousand" protesting in Tehran. Does the question go beyond, "Ten Thousand?" to "How many tens of thousands?"

1015 GMT: Oh, Yeah, The Friday Prayer. Apparently Ahmad Khatami said, "There are two basic reasons for our support for Palestine and Quds, first because Muslims are a single nation and second because we support the oppressed....The Zionists have tried to make this Quds Day a failure but they will not succeed". And so on.

1010 GMT: So "Where Is Mir Hossein Mousavi?" Here's the answer from the Islamic Republic News Agency: "Strong protests of people to Khatami, Mousavi and Karroubi's presence at Qods demonstration". The newspaper reports, "Mousavi showed up at Vali-Asr intersection at 12 noon with a few bodyguards, and was forced to retreat after confronted with people shouting "Death to Mousavi the hypocrite, Mousavi, Mousavi Shameless". It adds that Khatami and Karroubi were also forced away.

Al Jazeera is now reporting this although "it cannot verify".

0935 GMT: Catching Our Breath for Questions. The news that Mohammad Khatami was "attacked" and forced away from the rally seems solid (0809 GMT). But did Mehdi Karroubi appear and speak to the marchers (0633 GMT).

And where is Mir Hossein Mousavi?

0930 GMT: Mowj-e-Sabz is now reporting clashes and "violent situation" in Isfahan and clashes and arrests in Tabriz.

0915 GMT: Classic (and Accurate) Quote of Day. It's from Josh Shahryar, "Get yer cokes and pizzas folks. It's gonna be a long day."

0910 GMT:More on Rallies. Al Jazeera is already bumping the President aside for the marches, as their footage indicates there may be more than the "several thousand" we just projected. CNN's Reza Sayah on Twitter claims, "3-4 kilometre stretch between Vali Asr Square & Laleh Park packed with tens of thousands of opposition supporters".

0845 GMT: How Big Are the Rallies? Images on Al Jazeera television show masses of people on the move, and Agence France Presse is claiming "tens of thousands" from witnesses.

A source inside Iranian media has told EA that the internal broadcast feed is showing 3000-3500 demonstrators. Based on the reports, we now feel comfortable saying “several thousand” Green Wave supporters are marching, wearing green wristbands, with the largest confirmed rally at the Vali-e Asr intersection, near Tehran University on Enghelab Street.

(We think that the AFP report of "tens of thousands" may include not only Green Wave supporters but also onlookers and some Ahmadinejad supporters who are also present or are on way to Tehran University.)

0809 GMT: Parleman News claims confirmation of reports, which we have been followed, that former President Mohammad Khatami was "attacked" and forced to leave the Qods Day rally. The newspaper claims this was done at the behest of the son of the editor of Kayhan newspaper, Hossein Shariatmadari.

0745 GMT: President Ahmadinejad starting his speech introducing Friday Prayers. See our separate summary translation.

0740 GMT: Excuse of Day (So Far). Iranian state TV says, “Unfortunately we can't covered Qods Days rallies with helicopter because security forces have prevented us.”

0730 GMT: Reports coming in of preparation for Friday Prayers in Tehran. Government figures such as Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki in crowd, President Ahmadinejad arriving.

0715 GMT: EA correspondent confirms following Twitter claim, "Iranian State TV broadcasting the protests without sound and saying people are chanting for Palestine". He adds, "Footage is very sanitised."

0710 GMT: Counter-claim. Well-placed source in Iranian media tells EA correspondent that "few hundred" have gathered in Tehran squares. No mention of Karroubi or Khatami amongst protestors. Source says this is from "internal (and thus unseen) broadcast feeds", not what is actually being aired on State TV.

0705 GMT: Reported chanting of "Long Live Montazeri!! Viva Sane'i" (praising two Grand Ayatollahs who have criticised the Government) at Karim-Khan Bridge.

0700 GMT: Reports that tear gas has been used in 7 Tir Square to disperse crowds.

0633 GMT: And The Plan Rolls Out. Mehdi Karroubi is speaking in 7 Tir Square, shouting "Death to Oppression!". Mohammad Khatami is also reported to be present.

0630 GMT: Reports of clashes in Isfahan's Enghelab Square.

If the plan laid out by Mehdi Karroubi's office yesterday is being followed, he should be marching to and possibly arriving in 7 Tir Square now.

0615 GMT: An Important Caution. We are being very careful about reports of numbers and intensity of protests. While those passing information are well-intentioned, the claims are always prone to exaggeration or distortion as they are passed along.

That said, there are signs that these will be the largest gatherings since June. One report from a source in Tehran: "There's too many people [at 7 Tir Square]. The [security] forces are just watching in awe."

0610 GMT: Unconfirmed reports that marchers gathering in Qom.

CNN, after days ignoring Iran, has now decided this is a Very Important Story, previewing Ahmadinejad's speech with "Tense in Tehran" and "High Alert".

0555 GMT: Reports from numerous sources of chanting from protestors, including "God is Great", "Yah Hossein! Mir Hossein!", and "Death to the Dictator". Also people are gathering under Karim Khan Bridge chanting "No Gaza, No Lebanon --- My Life for Iran".

0535 GMT: Mowj-e-Sabz, the website of the Green movement, is filled with reports of Revolutionary Guard warnings. Thursday's statements are reported as "IRGC Preparing for Bloodbath", and then there is this claim: "According to an informed source, the security forces, based on prior plans, intend to arrest Mir-Hossein Moussavi and Mehdi Karroubi following the Quds Day Marches.""

0515 GMT: It is now 9:45 a.m. in Tehran. There are reported gatherings in Tehran at 7 Tir, Vanak, and Mirdamak Squares. Uniformed security forces are gathering in Enghelab Square near Tehran University. Claims also of gatherings in Tabriz, Isfahan, and Shiraz.

From ePersian Radio via Twitter source: "Big crowd [latest report of 1000+] in 7 Tir square, most are wearing green, lots of basijis/soldiers." Another source claims, from ePersian Radio, that Grand Ayatollahs Montazeri and Sane'i have said they will join the rally.

Iran: The Complete Translation of the Supreme Leader's Friday Prayer Address

Iran: Josh Shahryar’s Snap Analysis of the Supreme Leader’s Speech
The Latest from Iran (11 September): Prayers and Politics
Iran: Questions on Prayer Day


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Many, many thanks to Josh Shahryar, who live-translated the Supreme Leader's speech and has provided this edited version to Enduring America:


[08:09:20] (Khamenei is here, people are chanting loudly)
[08:09:28] ("Khamenei is Leader" people chanting.)
[08:09:32] (Khamenei is thanking people.)
[08:09:38] May God bless you,
[08:09:52] In the Name of God,
[08:10:17] (Says prayers in Arabic)
[08:10:28] (People join in chorus)
[08:10:45] (Khamenei prays more)
[08:11:11] Brothers and sisters who are praying here, I remind you, this is the month for taqwa (Godfearing-ness)

[08:11:26] and today, the 21st of Ramadan, is the day a man like Amirul Momineen Hazrat Ali died.
[08:11:57] Let's make taqwa the goal of our life for our afterlife.
[08:12:01] In the first part of the sermon, we'll talk about Amirul Momineen as
it is his day. Last night was Friday so this year has similarities with the 21st of Ramadan of the year in which humanity lost [Imam] Ali.
[08:12:50] His body, his voice, his breath, his eyes, went from today's world.
[08:12:55] But, one could keep Ali with one self, and keep him in front of one self and
one's actions. Only if we could follow his path and his character and treat him as our a role model. I will recount a part of his life and his short, but glorious government.
[08:14:15] I will be discussing his political life.
[08:14:35] We must keep in mind that his political actions are not different from the other parts of his life. His politics is in sync with his character and his religious life.
[08:15:13] Politics, if founded in religion and virtue, then for the people who are subjected to it, is a way to heaven.
[08:15:36] However, politics, seperated from religion and morality, becomes a means for
acquiring power at any cost and for acquiring wealth, and putting one's own goal in life ahead of everything else.
[08:16:09] It becomes a plague both for the politician and for the people in whose live it affects.
[08:16:50] The government which went through three wars is a government that Ali in Nahjul Balaghe (a book of Ali's sayings) describes in abhorrent terms.
[08:17:39] He says about this government, "The moisture that comes out of the nose of a sheep has no importance," and then compares it to this government.
[Note: During Ali's brief four year reign, three wars were fought between Muslim factions --- two directly against Ali by other factions]
[08:17:53] In part of his sayings about why he accepted the government, he says: "I saw people asking me to come forward and accept it sa they saw in it their victory, thus, I accepted."
[08:18:59] He explains again, "God has asked the knowledgable not to tolerate people's suffering." Thus, Ali was forced to comply; otherwise, this government doesn't really have anything for Ali.
[08:19:27] One of the distinguishing parts of his government was that his government stayed far from deception.
[08:19:50] He says, "If the fear of God had not held my hands, I was better at deceit than all of the Arabs."
[08:20:17] He said about Mawiye (His arch-enemy and eventual successor)- who was good at deceit, "He is not smarter than I."
[08:20:22] But what should Ali do?
[08:20:31] He has fear of God, that's why he couldn't be deceitful.
[08:20:40] When there is no fear of God, then one can do anything.
[08:20:43] One can lie to people, slander..., break promises and could find love for the enemies of the righteous path
[08:21:16] Ali says, "I selected politics with fear of God, and took it upon me with fear of God."
[08:21:28] That's why his character and his actions do not show any signs of deception in them.
[08:21:32] They are pure and clean of such things.
[08:21:47] One thing about politics that people did in the early days of Islam, and now some people do the same in our country today, is that They speak of separating religion and politics. If separated from religion, government will be separated from morality.
[08:22:25] In secular governments, morality has been destroyed.
[08:22:26] There are exceptions, but when religion is seperated from politics, then politics is degraded. Ali's political actions are not seperated from religion.
[08:23:17] His political actions were such that he even tried to befriend his enemies.
[08:23:38] The reason why he went through three wars was that he had exhausted all channels of making amends with his enemies.
[08:24:10] In the early days of his government, some came to him and kept telling him to treat some people harshly and deal with them firmly. Ali said that this is just one view. "But there are people who support you and there are people who oppose you," [they said], "And still there are people who have idea different then you and your opposers."
[08:24:39] Then wait, he said, until the victim's right can be taken from the violator gently, we should return the victim's rights with as much softness as we can.
[08:25:51] The last resort would be to take a more direct action.
[08:26:05] In the war of Saffin,
[08:26:13] Some people came and kept asking why Ali wouldn't attack,
[08:27:05] Ali said, "I am not after war. I am here for guidance. If I could delay fighting for even a day, it might help some people to come and follow the right path. When we are sure that no one will come, then we'll draw our swords and fight."
[08:27:15] About the Battle of Jamal,
[08:28:18] Ali said, "They have stood up because they wanted to show their anger as to why Ali had been given this government. But when I see that their actions are going to create a rift between Muslims and pit brothers against brothers, then I'll enter and find a cure to this menace. Until then I'll wait and try to guide them."
[08:28:42] A distinguishing part of his character was that he tried to debate with his enemies.
[08:28:50] In the letters he sent to Mawiye, who was Ali's enemy, while Mawiye would send letters to humiliating Ali, Ali would send letters and told him with love that he was wrong.
[08:29:33] Talhe and Zubair came and pledged allegiance to Ali.
[08:29:42] But then went to Mecca saying they were going to perform Hajj. Ali said he knew they weren't going to Hajj, but had another purpose. (The two later joined Aisha in a short battle in which both were killed)
[08:29:56] What they did there is clear.
[08:30:02] But Ali deals with them gently, he tries to guide them,
[08:30:11] But when kindness does not work, then Ali acts directly.
[08:30:26] For example, against the Khawarij, he said, "I tore their eyes out."
[08:30:37] And no one could do it like Ali.
[08:30:55] One part of his politics was that, in order to be victorious, he wouldn't lie or be cruel. During his government, some came to him and said, "There are these influential people in the government that need to support you. Give them money from the people's treasury and get their support."
[08:31:37] Ali said, "You want me to get victory through cruelty to the public? It is impossible for me."
[08:32:01] How could Ali find friends using un-Islamic ways?
[08:32:22] Another of distinguishing aspect of his character was that he asked people not to act fake towards him and not praise him excessively.
[08:32:45] During one of his sermons, a man stood up and started praising him excessively.
[08:33:18] After his words were finished, Ali turned to him, and as much as he had spoken during the sermon to that point, he spoke to that man and advised him not speak to Ali in that manner.
[08:33:30] He said, "Don't talk to me like you talk to kings. Do not praise me excessively."
[08:34:01] He wouldn't get happy of such praise,
[08:34:12] A praise that was worthy of cruel rulers, but not of Ali.
[08:34:21] That was one of his distinguishing marks.
[08:34:37] Another one was his dealings with people.
[08:34:42] He wouldn't treat everyone the same.
[08:35:00] The main examples are how he dealt with the Khawarij (a faction of Muslims that broke away from the main body of Islam and decided to neither support Mawiye nor Ali in their quest for attaining the leadership of Muslims) and with Mawaiye.
[08:35:27] When Mawiye came to him with Korans on top of spears, Ali said, "This is deceit!", but tried to debate with him.
[08:35:41] When the Khawarij came to him, he confronted them.
[08:36:42] However, he said, "Do not fight the Khawarij after me. He who wants to find the truth --- but cannot find it because he makes mistakes --- is not equal to those who who try to find the opposite path to truth and find it."
[08:36:56] His political actions and his religious life are totally compatible.
[08:37:07] Today is the day of his mourning.
[08:37:16] I should say some things about the suffering he [Ali] endured before his death.
(Transmission was broken for a few seconds)
[08:37:34] On the 19th of Ramadan he was struck and injured, and between that and the 21st [Ali died two days after being struck with a sword by a a member of Khawarij named Abdurrahman ibn Muljim on his way to the mosque to lead prayers], some things happened that are lessons [to us].
[08:38:10] First was when this enemy of God struck Ali, he didn't cry out or show signs of pain and only uttered prayers to Allah.
[08:38:27] "I swear to God that I found salvation," he said.
[08:38:42] Blood was gushing out of Ali's head and Imam Hasan was looking at his father's face.
[08:38:50] Imam Hasan started crying,
[08:39:00] A drop of tear fell on Ali's face.
[08:39:35] He said, "My Hasan, you cry; don't. Today I am in the company that loves me. The prophet is here. Fatimah (Ali's wife) is here."
[08:39:42] Then they picked him up,
[08:39:47] and he prayed [inside the mosque] while sitting.
[08:39:59] He kept praying even as he was injured and swayed from side to side from the effects of the injury.
[08:40:03] He was picked and taken to his house later.
[08:40:29] The people of Kufa heard the news of his death and everyone came out of their houses as when the prophet had died.
[08:41:10] Hossein had cried so much that his eyelids were hurt.
[08:41:20] Ali asked Hossein not to cry as well.
[08:41:31] Ali asked people to take him inside his house and take him and put him on his prayer mat.
[08:41:42] Ali's daughters came and started crying beside him.
[08:41:48] (Many in the prayer hall start crying...)
[08:42:01] Ali told Imam Hasan not to cry, then he told Imam Hossein not to cry.
[08:42:18] But he couldn't stop himself after watching his daughters cry and started crying himself.
[08:42:30] (Khamenei stops speaking and starts sobbing; people in the hall start crying loudly.)
[08:42:57] Ya Ali, if you couldn't see Zainab (his daughter) cry on that day, how could you have stopped yourself if you'd seen her cry on Ashura?
(On Ashura, decades later, Imam Hossein, his friends and family members were slaughtered in the desert at Karbala by Mawiye's son's armies.)
[08:43:34] He was visited by a scholar while he lay dying. The scholar says, one of Ali's daughters was crying which got me crying. Then everyone sitting outside started crying.
[08:43:57] Ali said, "If you could see what I'm seeing now, then you wouldn't cry either."
[08:44:03] We asked him what he was seeing and he said, "I see the God's angels, I
see prophets, and I see Mohammad. Mohammed tells me to come sooner."
[08:44:44] The scholar says he left the house a while later and as he came out, he heard people inside the house crying so he knew that Ali had died.
[08:44:53] (Khamenei prays in Arabic and sends Praise to Ali)
[08:45:05] (Khamenei Prays for the People)
[08:46:01] Oh God, give people unity,
[08:46:09] Oh God, cut the hands that create rift among people.
[08:46:15] (Khamenei prays more)
[08:46:31] (Recites from the Koran)
[08:46:39] (Everyone goes silent for a while)
[08:47:04] (Khamenei Starts Again)
[08:47:05] In the Name of God,
[08:47:23] (Khamenei prays some more)
[08:47:44] (Still Praying)
[08:48:36] I ask all you brothers and sisters to fear god inn all our actions.
[08:48:45] In the second part of my sermon,
[08:48:58] First, it is imperative that we remember Ayatollah Taleghani and also Ayatollah Madani as today has a connection with them, and these two men, their lives, are
part of the history of our country.
[08:49:53] Their memories will remain in our minds and our history.
[08:50:00] One thing I'll say in today's sermon and the people who I'm going to say this
to are politicians and officials of the government or those who were part of the government.
[08:50:51] Let's use Ramadan for explaining realities, and preach guidance to listeners and especially to the youth as this will be beneficial.
[08:51:19] The people that we will be speaking to are part of the system; individuals who are inside the system and hopefully, they will be remain in the system.
[08:51:49] This is not just a slogan - this inside the system and outside the system thing.
[08:52:09] One thing is that from the beginning of the revolution to this day, there have been differences that have emerged.
[08:52:31] Some of these differences and rifts have proven costly, but some of them have been solved by the wisdom and vigilance of the people and has not cost the government much.
[08:52:54] These differences of ideas and rifts are not all the same.
[08:53:04] Some of these differences were a result of differences in beliefs,
[08:53:18] But some of them are differences that have been created as result of some people's personal gains.
[08:53:31] Some of them are just differences of how things should be implemented.
[08:53:36] So these differences are all not the same.
[08:53:43] From the beginning of the revolution, as we were all together with each other, differences emerged.
[08:54:10] Imam Khomeini did not deal with all these the same way, same as Ali.
[08:54:24] Imam KHomeini first tried to guide them. There were different people in the government back then.
[08:54:42] There were people from the old beaureucracy, there were people who had just joined the government and then there were those who were using terror and protests to achieve their objectives.
[08:54:59] He dealt with them all differently.
[08:55:07] Some of these people were at top levels of government...
(Transmission was interrupted)
[08:55:19] He even dealt with a president.
[08:55:22] (transmission cut)
[08:55:26] (Restored)
[08:55:31] These differences were emerged. Some of them resulted in debates, but some became conflicts.
[08:56:20] To those who were enemies of the religion, Imam Khomeini said that he would come to them personally.
[08:56:34] But when came the time that some wanted to force wrong ideas upon the system, Imam Khomeini hit back firmly.
[08:57:08] Now those who are after personal gains, try to make it look as if they're seeking something else.
[08:57:25] But that's when they become enemies of the system.
[08:57:42] If someone has a different idea but does not try to attack the system, the system is fine with them.
[08:57:59] Political ideologies that are different; we're fine with them, as long as they don't try to force it upon the system.
[08:58:05] It's not about having different ideas, but about attacking the Islamic system.
[08:58:18] This what the system will fight against.
[08:58:36] If there are differences over how to implement the system's policies, then that's fine.
[08:58:52] The system should have people who could point out the weaknesses in the system. Criticism makes people work harder, but all this must be inside the framework of the system.
[08:59:16] This difference in impelementation is not dangerous.
[08:59:33] However, the foundations of the system are the constitution, Imam Khomeini's way and the Koran.
[09:00:19] Having differences in how to implement, are not a big problem.
[09:00:35] However when some come up with entirely different foundations to rest the system upon, which is dangerous.
[09:00:44] So long as they work inside the framework of the system as we said, so long as peopel don't resort to violence, don't lie or create tension, the system will not attack.
[09:01:11] The system will tolerate them if they have a different opinion.
[09:01:40] However, if some people comes with new pillars for the system and create insecurity for people, then the system needs to deal with them harshly.
[09:01:53] (People chant loudly)
[09:02:15] we say people should have the right to be defended if they have been slandered or humiliated, then the system also has the right to defend itself.
[09:02:33] Some say since the system is political, it should not defend itself.
[09:02:37] This is not right.
[09:02:42] Nowhere in the world is this so.
[09:02:59] In any part of the world, even in countries where they say they are politically advanced and ahead in democratic values, people do not disagree with the system's foundations.
[09:03:10] They have checks and balances, like our own Guardian Council.
[09:03:30] They don't tolerate someone who comes
and fight against the system.
[09:03:38] The system doesn't sit back and tolerate such people.
[09:03:50] In European countries, they don't tolerate this and fight back against such people.
[09:03:55] Thus, the answer to any attacks on the system is going to be harsh.
[09:04:38] But having a different opinion - when it doesn't come with slander and lies -, will be tolerated by the system.
[09:04:42] Another point, a point government officials, influentials and politicians should be aware of, is to stay on the right path and not diverge. The Koran speaks of this issue in different parts of this holy book: "The result of some actions take us to where one says that verses of the Koran are lies."
[09:06:16] In another part, "They broke their promise with God, and disunity was sown among them."
[09:07:10] "Some people who cannot stand against the enemy and fall, it is because they have sinned in the past."
[09:07:18] Sins corrupt us. It takes time. It doesn't happen all at once. One cannot sleep one night a Muslim and wake up an infidel. No, It happens gradually. The cure to this is fear of God. We must be cautious, we must watch out for each other. Wives must watch out for husbands and husbands should watch out for their wives. Friends should watch out for each other. People should send letters to officials [in the government]. They should guide them so that officials don't make mistakes as this is dangerous for the system.
[09:09:00] We must ask Allah for guidance. Another point is that as with people, corruption might find its way into a system as well - even an Islamic system. The same infliction might afflict an Islamic system. Just as in people, a system that might look Islamic, but its actions are unIslamic.
[09:10:11] Like I told students last year, a system could progress or regress. Progress would make society get closer to the ideals of justice and religion and religious virtue, progress industrially... and in terms of education and progress in terms of freedom. It would make society stand more firmly against enemeis. These are signs of positive progress. These would build the life and the afterlife of the citizens of a society.
[09:12:09] But there is regress as well. Regress towards injustice, towards economic insufficiency, towards the use of freedom in a corrupt manner... and for sinful acts. Instead of standing against unjust powers of the world, showing weakness, backing down from this and smiling at these powers.
[09:13:33] Backing down from one's rights both nuclear and non-nuclear. This is regress. The system shouldn't make the society regress. It should make it progress.
[09:13:55] This is a danger to the Islamic system. The people need to be vigilant. The Islamic system is an Islamic system when it follows the same policies that were being followed in the lifetime of Imam Khomeini. I tell you that in my past 30 years of life, so long as we have followed the path of Imam Khomeini, we have been victorious.
[09:15:21] But every time we have stopped following that path, we have weakened, have backed down and have even had economic losses. Some think that one should drop one's weapons against the powerful enemy. Some people wanted to do this during the elections.
[09:16:08] They wanted to take the people's support from the Islamic regime. But the clear sign of [people's] support for the Islamic regime was the 40 million votes... Then the foreign media kept saying that the regime had lost the people's support, but people coming in such number to polls - a turnout of 85% -, this trust of the people in the regime itt shows them clearly where people stand. The people trust the regime and the regime trusts the people.
[09:17:25] You will see that in the next election in 2 or 3 years. The same people - even though enemies from outside and those inside who don't know and are oblivious will try to dissuade them - will have another strong showing in those elections as well.
[09:17:59] (people chant)
[09:18:04] The point is: we all must be cautious. The Islamic system is proud because it wants to follow the Koran. Let's not have it become secular, not with a secular inside and a Koranic outside. An inside that is in love for western ideals and outside covered with the Koran. The Islamic System must be true to its name. It should get closer to the Islam daily. This is what solves problems. This is what gives the society pride and power. This is what will make the number of the Islamic system's supporters swell abroad.
[09:19:55] Some people see all the enemies and fear is instilled in them. All the governments in the world have enemies and they have friends. This has been the same throughout history. Everyone has some friends and some enemies. The prophet's government and Ali's government had both friends friends and enemies.
[The Paltalk channel broadcasting this through a radio had sound difficulties in this part so the translation is not verbatim in some parts.]
[09:20:45] The Islamic system is also the same. It has some friends and some enemies. But important is to see who the enemy is and who the friends are. If the government is such that all those governments that are cruel and unjust and Zionist are enemies of it, then this is something to be proud of.
[09:22:09] Then there are friends of this government which are Islamic countries, African countries, Asian countries, Muslims in Europe and others. Some years ago, the Iranian soccer team, was playing in a game [This is clearly the US vs Iran soccer game during the 1998 World Cup which Iran won.] Some people in Northern Africa in a cafe were cheering for Iran when Iran struck a goal. They were asked why they were cheering since they had no stake in the game. They said, "Iran's victory is our victory - even in football."
[09:23:04] During these unrests and violence after the elections, people in Islamic countries have been ask their friends in Iran about what has been happening and showing concern. But people here would say, "The Islamic system is far more powerful to be damaged by this."
[09:23:45] Yes, there are enemies like America, Britain - which has a 200 year history of animosity against Iran - and zionists. Let these enemies be enemies. But if the government friends with America, the UK and zionists, then that is shameful. To have as enemies the Islamic countries, that is shameful.
[09:24:56] (no transmission)
[09:25:09] We shouldn't give up. We shouldn't accept defeat against such countries, we should be cautious.
[09:25:21] Dear youngsters: this is your country. It will be in your hands tomorrow. A powerful system - powerful in all aspects - should make you proud. It should be your duty and it is your duty to protect it this an Islamic system in reality, an Islamic system that Imam Khomeini gave our country as a gift.
[09:27:05] Remember, in the past ten years, they tried to change the policies of Imam Khomeini. They said that the policies of the revolution were old. But they will never become old. They are always attractive to the people.
[09:28:05] (people chant)
[09:28:25] Next week, on Friday is Quds Day. This is one of the most distinguished marks of Imam KHomeini on this country. With this day, we have been able to keep Palestine's cause alive in the world. A lot of countries in the world tried to force this cause into oblivion. But the Islamic regime did not.
[09:30:00] Now the powerful nation [USA] and zionists are concerned that the Islamic regime will not give up. And they keep attempting to attempt to stop this. We will celebrate Quds Day and we will hold gatherings and rallies. In other countries also many Muslims follow the Iranian people in this.
[09:30:42] Quds Day is for the Palestinians. It is a show of unity of Iranians. Be cautious, so that no one could use this day to create differences and rifts between us. They couldn't break our unity before and they cannot now.
[09:31:56] (People Chant)
[09:32:02] (Khamenei rather quickly concludes his speech and ends his sermon with a short prayer)

The Latest from Iran (10 September): Who Fits Where?

NEW Iran Analysis: Retrenching Before Friday’s Prayers
EA Exclusive: Iran and Venezuela are Going to Kill Us All
The Latest from Iran (9 September): The Stakes Are Raised


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1955 GMT: The Youth and Student Section of Mehdi Karroubi's reformist Etemade Melli party have condemned the acts of the judiciary and security forces with the arrest of Mousavi’s and Karoubi’s advisors. The section declared that these actions in the run-up to Qods Day (18 Sept.) not only will fail to cause fear in people but will encourage them to attend the epic demonstration on that day.

1815 GMT: There is a bit of a buzz about a letter from the noted political philosopher Abdolkarim Soroush to the Supreme Leader, proclaiming that Iranians will celebrate the "decline of religious despotism".

1740 GMT: The reformist Islamic Iran Participation Front has expressed support for Mir Hossein Mousavi’s “Green Path of Hope” as a manifesto for the liberation of Iranians from the "defective cycle of tyranny".

1735 GMT: Still don't believe there is a foreign-directed effort at "velvet revolution" in Iran? Well here, courtesy of Raja News, is the super-duper, multi-colour chart (with arrows) to prove it.

1730 GMT: Norooz, which was down earlier today because of an "Internal Server Error", is back online.

1440 GMT: An EA correspondent clarifies our 1415 GMT entry on newssites linked to Mehdi Karroubi: "Saham News is back to posting new items, while tagheer.ir is a site that was set up some 7-8 months ago during Khatami's President candidacy."

1425 GMT: Mohammad Reza Bahonar, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has said that if Mehdi Karroubi cannot establish his claims of detainee abuse, he should be tried on criminal charges. The source is significant because Bahonar had been a vocal foe of the President during the debate over the Cabinet.

1415 GMT: There are reports that staff of Mehdi Karroubi have set up an alternative website to replace the suspended Saham News/Etemade Melli party site. The alternative, tagheer.ir, has similar content and approach to that of Saham News.

At the same time, it appears that the Norooz site, a key source for recent news is down because of "Internal Server Error". Before it went down, the site was disputing the Government's denial of its list of 72 people killed in post-election conflict and reporting that the memorial for the late Ayatollah Taleghani, which the Government had tried to block, had been held at the family home.

1345 GMT: Amnesty International says it has reports that Caspian Makan, the fiancé of Neda Agha Soltan, who was shot and killed by Basiji militia on 20 June, has been released from detention.

1330 GMT: Report that Zohreh Ashtiani, a reporter with Saham News, the Etemade Melli party's website, was arrested and her house searched. A later report says she was released after 12 hours of questioning.

0940 GMT: Just back from an interview with BBC World Service Radio on President Obama's speech on health care (the audio is now up for the next 24 hours). Not much breaking in Iran.

And, confirming our  0800 GMT post, it appears that Iran, apart from The Bomb, will stay off the agenda for most international media. A CNN anchor has just posted their editorial call: "Iraq blast/Afghanistan/India stampede/Mex hijacking/Turkey flood/Taiwan Cabinet/world cup". Yep, the US match with Trinidad & Tobago beats out any consideration of the Government crackdown. (No, the CNN website never did mention the arrest of key Mousavi and Karroubi advisors like Alireza Beheshti.)

0815 GMT: Josh Shahryar has posted "The Green Brief" for Wednesday, including the essential correction that he gave us (0655 GMT) on yesterday's statement about those breaking the law by the head of judiciary, Sadegh Larijani.

0800 GMT: The New York Times, which had been doing quite well of late with Iran coverage, decides to indulge in peripheral hysteria this morning. Michael Slackman, Nazila Fathi, and Robert Worth, each of whom has some knowledge of Iran as something more than Islam and bombs, give way for David Sanger, who knows what was told to him by the most recent "Western diplomat" or Administration official. So today, it's another recycling of the superficial and misleading claim, "U.S. Says Iran Has Ability to Expedite a Nuclear Bomb".

(Superficial because "ability to expedite a nuclear bomb" is vaguery bordering on linguistic nonsense. Misleading even in the caveats in the article: "a rapid, if risky, sprint for a nuclear weapon" is shorthand for Iran either does not yet have or has not pursued the capability to convert low-yield uranium into highly-enriched uranium in practice, rather than theory. Thus, "the new intelligence information collected by the Obama administration finds no convincing evidence that design work has resumed."

All swept away because someone told Sanger something on his way to the office to file a story: "In interviews over the past two months, intelligence and military officials, and members of the Obama administration, have said they are convinced that Iran has made significant progress on uranium enrichment, especially over the past year.")

Perhaps Sanger might write, for his next not-exactly-an-exclusive, "Ohmygod, Iran and Venezuela are Going to Kill Us All!"

0655 GMT: With a slow morning for breaking news (which is tempting fate, since we said the same thing yesterday and then faced a torrent of afternoon development), we have posted an analysis, "Retrenching before Friday Prayers". And we've taken time to give a breaking story, featured in The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, the respect it deserves: "EA Exclusive: Iran and Venezuela are Going to Kill Us All".

There is, however, one significant development or, rather, a  correction of a development. We updated yesterday on the interview of the head of Iran's judiciary, "Has Larijani Jumped Behind Ahmadinejad?", because we read his condemnation of those "outside the law" as  a reference to the opposition. Indeed we posted in our last update, The New York Times, drawing from Fars News Agency, was highlighting Larijani's phrase “great costs to the Islamic system”.

Josh Shahryar has had a close look, however, at the interview as it appeared on Radio Zamaneh. Read on its own, it is unclear who is being targeted by this passage:

Some had tried to call the elections fraudulent and attempted to stray outside "the circle of legality". [Larijani] said that law-breaking had become rampant and it had been observed in the aftermath of the elections how such actions had inflicted a great cost on the Islamic regime. He said that these violators shouldn't think that they're not being watched and the Judiciary should pursue the perpetrators of any such law-breaking legally.

However, the ambiguity evaporates when the previous paragraph is added: "Judiciary Chief Sadegh Larijani today said that what had happened in the detention centers had inflicted a huge blow on the standing of the regime. He said that the Judiciary would pursue these violations carefully and vigorously."

The Latest from Iran (9 September): The Stakes Are Raised

NOW POSTED Iran Analysis: Retrenching Before Friday's Prayers
Iran: Mousavi Statement on Arrests of Top Opposition Advisors
Iran: Ahmadinejad’s “All-In” Move?
Iran Urgent Analysis: Is This the Defining Showdown?
The Latest from Iran (8 September): Picking A Fight?
Iran: Ahmadinejad Chooses Confrontation Over Compromise and Governing

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2220 GMT: Did Sadegh Larijani Just Jump Behind the President (Continued)? Earlier today (1125 GMT) we noted that the head of judiciary seemed to be aiming at those who went "beyond the law" because of the "false claim" of electoral fraud. Another snippet of the interview is even more dramatic, as Larijani denounces those who have brought “great costs to the Islamic system" with their opposition.

2020 GMT: More on Ayatollahs Take a Stand? (1540 GMT) Some interesting developments from the Sunday meeting of senior clerics in Qom that we have been following. Ayatollah Golpaygani wrote a letter criticising the Ahmadinejad Cabinet; the Supreme Leader replied sharply, effectively prohibiting the Ayatollah from "interfering" in Government issues. Meanwhile, the Qom meeting has asked Grand Ayatollah Sistani, based in Najaf in Iraq, to travel to Iran for discussions and Grand Ayatollah Nouri-Hamedani has expressed regret for congratulating Ahmadinejad on his election victory.

2010 GMT: Report that Sadegh Noroozi, head of political council of the Mojahedin-Enghelab party, has been released.

1850 GMT: Bemoans?! Our friends at Press TV show their respect for the Mousavi statement: "Mousavi bemoans arrest of top aides, urges calm".

1840 GMT: Remember our emerging assessment that the biggest challenge for President Ahmadinejad may be governing Iran, especially handling the economy, rather than confronting the opposition? This from Press TV: "The value of Iran's oil products exports has plunged by 51 percentage points in the first half of the current Iranian year due to the global economic downturn."

1815 GMT: A Correction. We reported earlier (0920 GMT) that Emadeddine Baghi, head of the Association for the Defense of Prisoners, was arrested yesterday. In fact, there has been no confirmation of Baghi's arrest although the Association's offices were shut down.

1810 GMT: Quick! Look Over There! I suspect international media will be absorbed by this story, rather than any international developments in Iran, until the Supreme Leader's speech on Friday. From Press TV: "Amid international calls on Iran to engage the West over its nuclear program, the country presents the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany with its latest package of proposals to tackle global issues."

1800 GMT: CNNFail/TwitterSuccess. I know, I risk being repetitive but this exchange, over the arrest of Alireza Beheshti, has to be noted to be believed:

(1330 GMT) verypissedoff: Why are CNN & ABC silent? #iranelection Reuters: Ally of Iran's Mousavi detained
[The Reuters story was posted at 1251 GMT. Enduring America ran it as an urgent update, following Twitter to the Mowj-e-Sabz website, at 1945 GMT on Wednesday.]

(1655 GMT) rosemaryCNN Reuters: Ally of Iran's Mousavi detained, website says

Despite the fact that Rosemary Church, one of CNN's anchors, finally acknowledged the story almost 24 hours after it happened, CNN's website still has no reference to the far-from-minor development.

This is in no way a slapdown of Rosemary Church, who does good work and has used Twitter (unlike others in the media) to interact with others rather than for self-promotion of her and her network. However, based on the last 72 hours, let alone the last three months, I will take my stand against anyone who says Twitter is merely a diversion which should be set aside in the work of "real" journalists.

1540 GMT: Ayatollahs Taking a Stand? We reported on Monday about a meeting in Qom of several Grand Ayatollahs and senior clerics including, Ayatollahs Golpaygani, Makarem-Shirazi, Bayat-Zanjani, Montazeri, and Mousavi-Ardebili, on “practical steps against the coup government”. Now the Green movement's website, Mowj-e-Sabz, is reporting that the clerics are pressing their challenge against an "illegitimate" government, including its selection of female ministers, despite an attempt by the Supreme Leader through Ayatollah Mohammad Yazdi to check the opposition.

1420 GMT: We have posted a translation of Mir Hossein Mousavi's statement on the arrest of Mousavi and Karroubi advisors in a separate entry.

1400 GMT: Another Arrest. In addition to the detentions on Tuesday of Mousavi advisor Alireza Beheshti, Karroubi advisor Morteza Alviri, Etemade Melli website editor Mohammad Davari, security forces arrested Mohammad Ozlati-Moqaddam, a former IRGC commander and head of the veteran’s faction of Mir Hossein Mousavi’s campaign, at his home.

Ozlati-Moqaddam, who formerly served in the IRGC political bureau alongside Hossein Shariatmadari and Hossein Safar-Harandi, was arrested on Tuesday.

1330 GMT: A slow period has been broken by the latest statement from Mir Hossein Mousavi. Condemning the arrests of Alireza Beheshti, his top advisor, and Mortreza Alviri, Mehdi Karroubi’s top advisor, he warns people that “more difficult” days are on the way and advising them to be calm and remain careful and alert. At the same time, Mousavi is asking them to not be intimidated by "the coup government", as the regime's "pathetic acts" are doomed to fail like their previous efforts.

1140 GMT: Hours before he was arrested yesterday, Mehdi Karroubi's aide Morteza Alviri, who was also a member of the Karroubi-Mousavi committees investigating detentions, gave an interview to Rooz Online (translation by HomyLafayette):

The regime's actions have pushed political activity out of parties and into homes and within the population....Silence is not acquiescence. There is a bomb within the hearts of the people, and it can explode at any time....I still believe that fraud took place in the election. The country is in a state of martial law.

1125 GMT: Did Sadegh Larijani Just Jump Behind the President? The head of Iran's judiciary has said that the "false claim" of election fraud led some people to go "beyond the law", adding, "The life of our social system is dependent on law enforcement."

Larijani was vague beyond this, for example, on detentions and trials, but I wonder if the statement could be read as implicit acceptance of the Ahmadinejad line.

1040 GMT: It's All about Us (outside Iran). The perils of an attention span which is all about what Iran means for "us" rather than what is happening inside Iran is all too clear in Simon Tisdall's blunt statement today in The Guardian of London: "If anyone still wonders what happened to the Iranian revolution of 2009, the answer is: the hardliners won."

Even a quick glance at EA's analyses, and those of other sites like Anonymous Iran and Keeping the Change, complicates Tisdall's assertions. Who exactly are his "hardliners"? Ahmadinejad? The Revolutionary Guard? The Supreme Leader? All of the above? And has the opposition just evaporated in the face of measures such as yesterday's raids?

These are trifles, however, because Tisdall is not really concerned with anything beyond a superficial reference to the internal situation. His focus is "the difficulties inherent in dealing with Tehran". Nuclear programme. Sanctions. "Soft power". All of which leads him into the cul-de-sac:

One is to admit the Israelis may be right in arguing that military action is the only sure way to hinder or stop Iran's nuclear advances. The other is to do nothing – and hope that Iran's repeated assurances that it does not seek the atom bomb are true.

As bleak as the picture may be in Iran after the last 48 hours, it's far better than this simplifying of "our" options by reducing the Iranian people to bystanders and pawns.

0920 GMT: A Far-from-Incidental Note. The Mousavi-led Committee for the Tracking of Prisoners and Mehdi Karroubi's operations were not the only organisations targeted in the last 48 hours. Emadeddine Baghi, head of the Association for the Defense of Prisoners, was also arrested yesterday. Baghi's office was searched and documents and equipment were taken by security forces.

0825 GMT: MediaWatch. Both New York Times and Washington Post have articles on yesterday's raid of Karroubi offices, although they only briefly mention the later arrest of Alireza Beheshti. The Los Angeles Times, normally in the lead of US-based coverage, get tangled up: anxious to feature their journalistic coup of an interview with Mehdi Karroubi, they reduce news of the raids and arrests of his staff to an insert paragraph.

CNN, continuing its poor coverage even as its correspondents pile onto Twitter to promote themselves, do not notice the Beheshti arrest. Al Jazeera also misses the Beheshti news, however, and the BBC, however, is even worse: distracted by Iran's promotional claim that it is submitting proposals on its nuclear programme today, they see nothing at all inside Iran.

0820 GMT: It appears that, with its offices raided and its editor-in-chief arrested, the Etemade Melli website (which includes Saham News) is suspended. There have been no new posts since 3:25 p.m. local time yesterday.

0800 GMT: The Mousavi response to the raid on their office and later arrest of chief advisor Alireza Beheshti? This was posted three hours ago on Facebook: "Coup gov.! We R the Media & wont let our leaders be taken hostage silently.Go Green & Bring #iranelection back on top:World will be watching /"

0750 GMT: Almost lost in yesterday's chaos was the statement of the commander of the Navy of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps, Rear Admiral Morteza Saffari, pressing the foreign-led "soft war" pretext: “Iran's great territory, population, military might, and unique geographical location in the Middle East have turned it into a strong power, and political experts in Western countries know that they cannot overwhelm Iran by launching a military attack or hard war."

Saffari claimed that a “media war” had stirred up “civil disobedience”, asserting, “The US strategy to confront the Islamic Republic of Iran is based on soft measures," even as it continues threats to launch a military attack.

The rhetoric is far from new, of course. What is significant is how the IRGC is pushing it less than a week after the Supreme Leader denied that foreign powers were able to pursue their "soft war" because of the strength of the Iranian system.

0730 GMT: It looks like folks in Iran are picking up the pieces from yesterday's dramatic events, so we've spent the time on a detailed analysis, "Ahmadinejad's 'All-In' Move", considering the significance of the raids and arrests. Our easier conclusion is that this is an attempt to break the Green movement and back down Hashemi Rafsanjani. The tricker reading is whether the President and Revolutionary Guard have done this as an assertion of authority against the Supreme Leader. We'll be debating this throughout the day (and beyond) and welcome your comments and ideas.

Josh Shahryar is also working on an analysis for a high-profile publication; we'll keep you posted on when it appears. Meanwhile, his latest "Green Brief" summarising Tuesday's events is out.

UPDATED Iran's Victims: The 72 People Killed in Post-Election Conflict

The Latest from Iran (6 September): The Reformists Speak

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UPDATE 8 September: HomyLafayette, one of the foremost Twitterers and bloggers on the Iran crisis, has posted further information on the 72 people, including photographs and links to videos and stories about their lives and deaths, beginning with Hossein Akhtarzand (pictured).

Josh Shahryar of Anonymous Iran writes: Norooz, the official news outlet of the reformist Islamic Iran Participation Front, has published the names of 72 people who have died to date during protests on the streets, in detention, or from injuries sustained during the violence in the aftermath of the elections. This is only a list of those deaths that could be fully confirmed; the number of casualties could be much higher.

The list includes 12 women and 60 men, the majority of whom were under 35. About half died in two major protests, the first mass demonstration of 15 June and the "illegal" gathering on 20 June. The list does not include many names that have surfaced in the past few days, such as the slain detainee Saeedeh Pour-Aghaie.

The overwhelming majority of people on the list have died in Tehran. There are a few in Isfahan and no word on casualties in other cities. Bullet wounds seem to be the major cause of death, followed closely by beatings with batons and torture at prisons.

The first 25 names are those whose families have contacted the campaigns of Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi to confirm the death of their loved ones.

1. Mr. Hossein Akhtar-Zand, 32 years old. Died on June 15 in Isfahan after being thrown down a three-story building by Basiji militia.

2. Mr. Kianoosh Asa, post-graduate student. Died on June 15 in Tehran's Azadi Square after being struck by a bullet fired by plainclothesmen. His body was identified nine days later and collected from a morgue in Tehran by family members.

3. Sohrab A'rabi, 19, high school student. Died of injuries sustained under torture at Evin Prison in Tehran. A'rabi's mother was informed of his death nearly a month after his disappearance.

4. Name: Mr. Alireza Eftekhari, 29, reporter. Died on June 15 of a brain hemorrhage after being struck with batons on the head and other parts of his body. His body was returned to his family on July 13.

5. Neda Agha-Soltan, 27, philosophy student. Died on June 20 on Tehran's Kargare Shomali Avenue of a gunshot wound to the heart, fired by a plainclothesman. Buried at Beheshte Zahra's Section 257 the next day.

6. Amir Javadifar, 25, student of industrial management at Qazvin's Azad University. Died on July 9 of a seizure inside a van while being moved from Kahrizak to Evin. Had been blinded by blows to his head and face.

7. Moharram Ghagini Gheshlaghi, 34. Buried in Beheshte Zahra's section 256, row 156, grave #13.

8. Masood Khosravi. Died on June 15 at Azadi Square and is buried at Beheshte Zahra.

9. Abbas Disnad, 40, laborer. Died after being beaten with batons on the head.

10. Ramin Ramezani, 29. Died of internal bleeding in a hospital after being released from detention. Buried at Beheshte Zahra. Section 257, Row 46, Grave #32

11. Mohsen Rohulamini, 25. Died on July 9 after sustaining injuries during torture in detention.

12. Ashkan Sohrabi, 18, IT student at Qazvin University. Died on June 20 at the junction of Rodaki and Sarsabil Avenues in Tehran after being shot by Basijis and other security forces thrice.

13. Amir Hossein Toufanpour, 32. Died on June 19 after being shot thrice in the leg, arm, waist and side. There were visible bruises on his neck and a deep hole on the back of his head which was filled with cotton and a broken arm. His nose seemed to have been broken as well.

14. Saeed Abbasifar Golchini, 24, seller of shoes and purses. Died on June 20 in Tehran after being struck by bullets fired by security forces.

15. Mostafa Ghanyan, graduate student at Tehran University. Died on June 15 in Tehran University's dorms during a raid by security forces. Buried in the courtyard of Imam Reza's shrine on June 18 under tight security.

16. Ali Fathalian. Died on June 20 in front of Lolagar Mosque. Buried in Beheshte Zahra. Section 9, Row 110, Grave #22.

17. Hadi Fallahmanesh, 29, laborer. Died in Tehran and is buried in Beheshte Zahra - section 53.

18. Ahmad Kargar Nejati. Died of torture wounds in the hospital. Buried in Beheshte Zahra - section 213, Row 15, Grave #35.

19. Behzad Mohajer, 47. Died on June 15 of a gunshot wound to the chest. Body kept at Kahrizak detention facility's morgue.

20. Nader Naseri. Died on June 20 at Khosh Avenue in Tehran. Buried in Babol.

21. Ahmad Naeemabadi. Died of a gunshot wound at Azadi Square. Shot fired by IRGC's Ashoura 117 Battalion.

22. Masood Hashemzadeh, 27. Died on June on Shademan Avenue in Tehran of a bullet to the chest which tore through his lungs and caused severe internal and external bleeding. Buried in northern Iran.

23. Mehdi Karami, 17. Died on June 20 at the junction of Janatabad and Kashani avenues after he was badly beaten and his throat was slit by a knife. Body was kept at Payambar Hospital in Ashrafi Isfahani Boulevard.

24. Naser Amirnejad, 25, student of aviation and space technology at Azad Islamic University in Tehran. Died on Mohammad Ali Jinnah Street in Tehran after being sprayed with bullets by Basijis. Body was kept at Payambar Hospital's morgue and was buried in a village close to Yasuj.

25. Mahmood Raeesi Najafi, construction worker. Died on June 28 after being shot by security forces on Azadi Square and beaten badly with batons. Died at home 13 days later.

[The families of deceased protesters below have not gotten in touch with Karroubi's or Mousavi’s campaign offices and are under pressure from the Government to refrain from public acknowledgement of the death, let alone the cause of death, of their loved ones.]

26. Mobina Ehterami. Died on June 15 at Tehran University's dorm. Body was buried in secret without her family's knowledge.

27. Neda Asadi

28. Saeed Esmaeeli Khanbeen, 23. Died of blows to the head.

29. Morad Aghasi

30. Hossein Akbari. Died of blows to the head.

31. Vahed Akbari, 34, laborer. Died on June 20 at Vanak Avenue of a bullet wound to the lower side. Buried at Beheshte Zahra - section 261.

32. Mohsen Entezami

33. Mohsen Imani. Died on June 15 in Tehran University's dorms. Body was secretly buried without his family's knowledge.

34. Fatima Barati. Died on June 15 in Tehran University's dorms. Body was secretly buried without her family's knowledge.

35. Mohammad Hossein Barzegar, 25, laborer. Died on June 17 on Hafte Tir Square in Tehran of a bullet shot to the head. Buried on June 21 in Beheshte Zahra, Section 302.

36. Jafar Barvayeh, lecturer at Chamran University of Ahvaz and candidate for doctoral degree at Tehran University. Died in Baharestan Square in Tehran of a bullet shot to the head. Forensics report that he died of a brain hemorrhage.

37- Yaghoub Barvayeh, graduate student of theatre arts at University of Art and Architecture in Tehran. Died on June 25 of a bullet wound to the head after being shot in front of Lolagar Mosque by Basijis from the roof of the mosque.

38. Soroor Boroomand, 58, died on June 15 on Mohammad Ali Jinnah Avenue in Tehran.

39. Hameed Besharati, 26. Died on June 20 in Tehran after being shot by security forces several times.

40. Farzad Jashni. Died on June 20 in Tehran.

41. Bahman Jenabi, 20, employee of a radiator repair shop. Killed in Tehran.

42. Mohsen Haddadi, 24, computer programmer. Died on June 15 at Nosrat Avenue in Tehran after being shot in the forehead. Buried on June 23 in Beheshte Zahra - section 262.

43. Shalir Khezri. Died on June 16 at Baharestan Square in Tehran.

44. Fatima Rajabpour, 38. Died on June 15 on Mohammad Ali Jinnah Avenue in Tehran.

45. Babak Sepehr, 35, died on June 20 in Tehran after being sprayed with bullets by security forces.

46. Fahimeh Salahshour, 25, high school graduate. Died on June 15 at a hospital of internal bleeding after being hit by batons on the head at Valiasr Square on June 14 in Tehran.

47. Tina Soodi, university student. Died on June 20 at Enghelab Square in Tehran after being shot.

48. Hasan Shapouri

49. Ali Shahedi, 24. Died in the Tehran-Pars police station on June 21. Forensics could not determine the cause of death; however, the family believes he was killed after being struck with batons on the head at the station.

50. Kasra Sharafi. Died on June 15 in Tehran University's dorms. Body was secretly buried without family's knowledge.

51. Kambiz Shoa’ee. Died on June 15 in Tehran University’s dorms. Body was secretly buried without family's knowledge.

52. Davood Sadri, 27, shopkeeper at Salsebil Avenue. Died on June 20 in front of Lolagar Mosque in Tehran after being struck with a bullet in the head.

53. Seyyed Reza Tabatabayee, 30, bachelor's degree in accounting. Died on June 20 on Azerbaijan Avenue in Tehran. Family forcefully sworn to secrecy by security forces and buried on June 24 in Beheshte Zahra - section 259.

54. Vahid Reza Tabatabayee, 29, bachelor's in English. Died on June 24 in Baharestan Square in Tehran of a bullet wound to the head. Buried on June 27 in Beheshte Zahra - section 308.

55. Hossein Tahmasebi, 25. Died on June 15 in Nobahar Avenue in Kermanshah after being attacked and beaten by security forces.

56. Salar Tahmasebi, 27, undergraduate student of trade management in Rasht. Died in Jumhoori Avenue of a bullet to the forehead. Buried on June 23 in Beheshte Zahra - section 254.

57. Meisam Ebadi, 17, worked at a carpet store in Tehran. Died in Sadeghiyeh in Tehran.

58. Abolfazl Abdollahi, 21, graduate student majoring in electrical sciences. Died on June 20 in front of Sharif Industrial University after being shot in the back of the head. Buried on June 23 in Beheshte Zahra - section 248.

59. Hamid Araghi. Died in Azadi Square, Tehran after being shot.

60. Pour Kaveh Ali, 19. Died on June 20 in Tehran.

61. Hossein Alef. Died on June 17 in Isfahan.

62. Reza Fattahi

63. Parisa Kolli, 25, BA in Literature. Died on June 21 in Keshavarz Boulevard in Tehran of a gunshot wound to the neck. Buried on June 24 in Beheshte Zahra - section 259.

64. Mostafa Kiarostami, 22. Died on July 17 of blows to the head with batons in front of Tehran University. Was there to take part in Friday prayers.

65. Mohammad Kamrani, 18. Was beaten badly on Valiasr Square and died of his injuries on July 9 in Mehr Hospital, Tehran.

66. Hamid Maddah Shoorcheh, activist working for Mir Hossein Mousavi's campaign headquarters. Died on June 15 in Mashhad shortly after being released of injuries sustained during torture in detention. Forensic experts ruled a brain hemorrhage as the cause of death.

67. Maryam Mehrazin, 24. Died on June 20 in Tehran as a result of gunfire by security forces.

68. Taraneh Mousavi. Died on June 28 after she was arrested in front of Ghoba Mosque. Charred body was found between Karaj and Qazvin.

69. Iman Namazi, undergraduate student of architecture in Tehran University. Died on June 15 in Tehran University's dorms after the attack by security forces and plainclothesmen on the dorms.

70. Mohammad Nikzadi, 22, BS in architecture. Died on June 16 in Vanak Square, Tehran after being shot in the chest. Buried in Beheshte Zahra - section 257.

71. Iman Hashemi, 27, laborer. Died on June 20 on Azadi Avenue, Tehran. Died after being shot in the eye. Buried in Beheshte Zahra - section 259.

72. Milad Yazdanpanah, 30. Died on June 20 in Tehran after being shot by security forces.