LIFE - UPDATED: Iran Erupts!

Violent Celebration

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Thirty years ago--on November 4, 1979--Iranian students stormed the American embassy in Tehran; 53 Americans were taken hostage and held for 444 days. To celebrate the anniversary of the takeover, members of the Basij militia gathered in front of the former embassy and burned an American flag.

Waving Flags and Placards

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Thousands of Iranian students gathered outside the former embassy to mark the day, chanting anti-US slogans and waving flags.

The Opposition Rallies

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

During the anti-U.S. celebration, several hundred opposition supporters attempted to stage an anti-government protest. But armed riot police moved in with batons and tear gas to break it up.

Tear Gas Breaks Up the Opposition Rally

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

The Anti-US Rally Continues

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

A Mural on the Wall of the Former US Embassy

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Supporting Her Cause

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

"V" is for "Victory"

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Clear Message

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

June 28, 2009: Iranian Police Take Positions

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

On June 28, Iranian police dispersed about 3,000 protesters who defied a ban on public gatherings and staged a silent march in Tehran following a ceremony at a mosque.

Iranian protesters hold a British flag d

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

Iranian protesters hold a British flag during a rally outside the former US embassy in Tehran on November 4, 2009 to mark the storming of the American embassy by Iranian students 30 years ago. Thousands of Iranians staged the noisy anti-US rally in central Tehran as riot police armed with batons and firing teargas moved in as several hundred opposition supporters attempted to stage an anti-government protest. AFP PHOTO/BEHROUZ MEHRI (Photo credit should read BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/Getty Images)

Say It Loud

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

A close aide of defeated presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi and the son of late prominent cleric Ayatollah Mohammad Beheshti, speaks to a crowd on June 28. They gathered to mark the anniversary of his father's assassination in a bombing 28 years ago.

Fire in the Streets

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:00:00 EDT

An Iranian protester flashes the victory sign during an opposition rally in Tehran on July 9.

The Damage Done

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Demonstrators protest beside a car with a broken rear windsceen on July 9 in Tehran.

"We Are All Neda"

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

An Iranian protester holds a sign referring to Neda, the Iranian woman whose killing made her an icon of the opposition.

The Color of Change?

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

A supporter of Iranian Presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi during a protest against the election results in Iran on June 28.

Prayer Amid the Chaos

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Iranian men pray after listening to the Friday prayer sermon, delivered by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on June 19, 2009 at Tehran University.

Students Protest

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Iranian hardline students burn U.S .and British flags during a protest outside the British embassy in Tehran on June 23, 2009.

Hardliners Blame 'Outside Influence'

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

An Iranian hardline student waves an Iranian flag during a protest outside the British embassy in Tehran on June 23, 2009.

June 20: 19 People Confirmed Dead as The Tehran Protests Contine

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

A supporter of Iran's defeated presidential candidate Mousavi holds a toy gun to scare away Iranian police. Riot police and the militia have tried to break up protests using water cannons, tear gas, batons, and live rounds.

June 20: Beaten By The Police

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

June 20: A Woman's Blood-Covered Hand

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

TEHRAN, IRAN - JUNE 20: A supporter of Iran's defeated presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi shows her hand covered in the blood of a wounded person during a demonstration on June 20, 2009 in Tehran, Iran. Thousands of Iranians clashed with police as they defied an ultimatum from supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calling for an end to protests over last week's disputed presidential election results. Iranian police have tried to break up protest using water cannon, tear gas, batons and live rounds. (Photo by Getty Images)

June 20: A Bus Burns in Tehran

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

June 20: Iranian Police Face-Off With Protesters

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

June 20: Throwing Stones at Police

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

June 20: To the Barricades

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

June 20: Gathering Rocks

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Defying the Ban

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Supporters of Mir Hossein Moussavi defy an ultimatum from supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calling for an end to protests, June 20, 2009. For more photos from the protests, taken by an Iranian in Tehran, see Eyewitness: From Tehran's Streets. NOTE: As of Sunday, June 21, the Iranian photojournalist whose pictures appear in the "Eyewitness: From Tehran's Streets" gallery is missing. We will update this space and that gallery when we have further word.

Iran Watches, Waits

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

On Saturday, June 20, the day after Supreme Leader Ayatollha Khameini claimed the June 12 election legitimate, the nation waits and watches.

Hoping for a Green Victory

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

An Iranian supporter of defeated reformist presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi demonstrates on June 17 in Tehran.

Blood in the Streets of Tehran

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

One protester has been shot dead and several -- including this man -- were wounded during a rally in Tehran staged by hundreds of thousands of people demonstrating against the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. When Ahmadinejad announced his landslide victory in the hotly contested election over the weekend, opposition leader Mir Hossein Moussavi charged that the election results had been "manipulated" and that it amounted to "treason" on the part of the incumbent. Shortly after, anti-government protesters filled the streets.

Attack on a Militia Base

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Moussavi supporters attack a local base of the Islamic Basij militia after a protestor was allegedly shot dead outside the base in Tehran on Monday.

Protestors and Police Tangle

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Supporters of defeated Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi try to rescue a riot policeman after he was caught in the middle of demonstrators during a protest in Valiasr Street in Tehran on June 13, 2009. Hardline incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won a crushing victory in Iran's hotly-disputed presidential vote, according to official results that triggered mass opposition protests. AFP PHOTO/BEHROUZ MEHRI (Photo credit should read BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/Getty Images)

Mousavi Supporter Comes to Aid of Stricken Cop

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

A Gunman Stands Over the Crowds at a Rally

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

A gunman stands on the rooftop of a building in Tehran on June 15, 2009. One protestor was shot dead and several were wounded during a rally in Tehran staged by hundreds of thousands of people demonstrating against the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a local Iranian photographer told AFP. The incident occurred in front of a local base of the Basij volunteer militia, which was set on fire, the photographer who declined to be identified said, adding that the dead man had been shot in the head. AFP PHOTO/STR (Photo credit should read -/AFP/Getty Images)

Moussavi Remains Defiant

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Defeated Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Moussavi addresses supporters as he attends a rally with his wife Zahra Rahnavard on Monday, despite a ban on the protest. Militia men have reportedly responded to the mass defiance with violence.

Fiery Protests

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Smoke billows from a burning car after it was set on fire by Moussavi supporters.

Moussavi Among His Supporters

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Defeated Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi waves at his supporters during a rally in Tehran on June 15, 2009. Opposition supporters defied a ban to stage a mass rally in Tehran in protest at President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's landslide election win, as Iran faced a growing international backlash over the validity of the election and the subsequent crackdown on opposition protests. AFP PHOTO/OLIVIER LABAN-MATTEI (Photo credit should read OLIVIER LABAN-MATTEI/AFP/Getty Images)

Blood in the Streets

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Iranians carry a wounded protester.

Rallying Cry

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Opposition supporters openly defy the ban to stage a mass rally in Tehran in protest of Ahmadinejad's landslide election win. Iran faces a growing international backlash over the validity of the results. In the background is a poster of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

Fight 'Until the End'

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Zahra Rahnavard, the wife of defeated Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Moussavi, waves at supporters as she arrives with her husband (not seen) to his office in Tehran. Rahnavard told photographers that she and her husband will continue to protest "until the end."

Trouble in Tehran

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Smoke billows from a burning bus as a supporter of defeated Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi flashes the victory sign during a Tehran protest.

Anti-Ahmadinejad Protesters Fill The Streets

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Thousands of Mousavi supporters took to the streets shouting "Down with the Dictator."

Moussavi Supporters Take to the Streets

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Supporters of defeated Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Moussavi take part in a rally at Azadi Square in Tehran.

Riot Police On The Move

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Hours after this photo was taken, police raid the offices of ABC and NBC, confiscating cameras and jamming transmission of TV signals.

A Bus is Set on Fire and Protesters Flee

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Iranian President Ahmadinejad dismissed the street protests: "Some people are sentimental and become excited," he said. He then compared it to "a soccer match. Their team has not won in the match."

Moments Later, it is Engulfed in Flames

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

The Counter-Attack

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Members of the Iranian hardline volunteer militia try to batter the gates of Tehran's university where supporters of the defeated presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi were protesting against the election results.

Storming the Gates

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Ahmadinejad supports batter the gates and storm into the university.

Riot Police in Action

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

An Iranian riot police officer attacks a man with a stick near Tehran University as two elderly women cower.

Plain Clothes Policemen Beat a Protester

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Hand-toHand Combat

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Riot police broke up a street protest, swarming through the streets and swinging night sticks.

Thousands of Ahmadinejad Supporters Celebrate

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Ahmadinejad Greets the Cheering Throng

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

The Protest Turns Bloody

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

See more of the protests' most violent moments here.

Hurling Stones at Riot Police

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Tears, Anger, And Tear Gas

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

A Police Motorcycle Burns

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

A police motorcycle burns as supporters of defeated Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi protest in Valiasr Street in Tehran on June 13, 2009. Hardline incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won a crushing victory in Iran's hotly-disputed presidential vote, according to official results that triggered mass opposition protests. AFP PHOTO/BEHROUZ MEHRI (Photo credit should read BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/Getty Images)

Panicked Protestors Turn and Run

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Streets of Fire

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

A supporter of defeated Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi flashes the victory sign as he stands in front of a burning police motorcyle during a protest in Valiasr Street in Tehran on June 13, 2009. Hardline incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won a crushing victory in Iran's hotly-disputed presidential vote, according to official results that triggered mass opposition protests. AFP PHOTO/BEHROUZ MEHRI (Photo credit should read BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/Getty Images)

The Violence Continues

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

A supporter of defeated Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi throws stones at a riot policeman during a protest in Valiasr Street in Tehran on June 13, 2009. Hardline incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won a crushing victory in Iran's hotly-disputed presidential vote, according to official results that triggered mass opposition protests. AFP PHOTO/BEHROUZ MEHRI (Photo credit should read BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/Getty Images)

Protests Continue for a Fourth Day

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Iran banned foreign media from covering rallies in the country on Tuesday, June 16.

Flames in the Streets of Tehran

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

TEHRAN, IRAN - JUNE 16: Supporters of defeated Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi run in the streets during protests June 16, 2009 in Tehran, Iran. Iran banned foreign media from covering rallies in the country and Iran's Guardian Council reportedly said that they would recount some of the votes in presidential election that critics say was unfairly won by Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinehjad. (Photo by Getty Images)

Moussavi Calls for Day of Mourning

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

On June 18, 2009, Mir Hossein Moussavi called for a day of mourning to honor those killed or wounded in protests over the presidential election.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei casts his vote on June 12. On June 18, he declared Ahmadinejad's win "definitive" and called for an end to days of protest.

Thousands Peacefully Protest, Pay Respects

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Supporters of opposition leader Mir Hossein Moussavi attach candles to a wall on June 18, 2009, a day of remembrance for those killed in post-election protests.

Iran Against the World

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:00:00 EDT

Iranian worshippers shout anti-US and Israel slogans during weekly Friday prayers at Tehran University on July 10, 2009.