Witnesses: police use tear gas, water cannon to disperse thousands of protesters in Tehran

Witnesses: police clash with Tehran protesters

TEHRAN, Iran — Witnesses say police are using tear and water cannons to disperse thousands of protesters rallying in Tehran to demand a new presidential election.

English-language state TV says a blast at the Tehran shrine of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini wounded two people. The report could not be independently confirmed.

Eyewitnesses contacted by The Associated Press say the protesters gathered in central Tehran in open defiance of the cleric-led government.

They say a crowd of 3,000 chanted “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to dictatorship!” near Revolution Square in central Tehran before police used the tear gas and cannon.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned opposition leaders on Friday to end street protests or be held responsible for any “bloodshed and chaos” to come.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Witnesses say police are using tear and water cannons to disperse thousands of protesters rallying in Tehran to demand a new presidential election.

Eyewitnesses contacted by The Associated Press say the protesters gathered in central Tehran in open defiance of the cleric-led government.

The witnesses say some 3,000 protesters chanted “Death to the dictator!” and “Death to dictatorship!” near Revolution Square in central Tehran. Police confronted them by using tear gas and water cannon.

Witnesses say thousands of police and plainclothes militia members filled the streets to prevent rallies.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned opposition leaders on Friday to end street protests or be held responsible for any “bloodshed and chaos” to come.