White House: Obama ‘moved’ by images of protests in Iran

White House: Obama ‘moved’ by protests in Iran

WASHINGTON — The White House says President Barack Obama has been “moved” by the television images of people in Iran taking to the street in protest.

Riot police in Tehran continue to lead a crackdown on demonstrators following a disputed presidential election.

Said White House press secretary Robert Gibbs of Obama: “I think he has been moved what we’ve seen on television. I think particularly so by images of women in Iran who have stood up for their right to demonstrate, to speak out and to be heard.”

Gibbs said Monday that Obama continues to have “concerns and questions” about the way Iran’s presidential election was conducted this month.

Obama has faced criticism from Republican lawmakers who say he has not spoken forcefully against Iran’s leaders.