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Last updated: 4 november, 2009 - 12:26 GMT

Anniversary clashes in Tehran

People wave flags at an official rally outside the former US embassy in Tehran (4 November 2009)

Thousands of people turned out for the official anti-American rally

State-run television in Iran says the security forces have broken up a demonstration by opposition supporters in Tehran, and arrested a number of people.

The demonstration was taking place at the same time as an official rally to mark the 30th anniversary of the seizure of the US embassy during the Islamic Revolution.

Eyewitnesses say the police used tear gas and batons on the opposition supporters and that one of the defeated candidates in June's disputed presidential election, Mehdi Karroubi, was there.

This man, who wants to be known by the name of Akbar, spoke to the BBC from outside the old American embassy building where the official protest is taking place.

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Dr Mehrdad Khonsari is a senior consultant at the Centre for Arab and Iranian Studies in London.

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First broadcast 4 November 2009

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