From correspondents in Tehran Province, Iran, 06:31 PM IST

Iran Tuesday banned the foreign press from covering protest rallies or gatherings held by supporters of opposition leader Mir-Hossein Moussavi.

The foreign press department of the culture ministry said in a circular to all foreign press offices to 'seriously avoid' any events not directly authorised by that ministry.

The circular especially referred to mass rallies which do not have the permission by the interior ministry.

The foreign press widely covered the rallies held Monday challenging the outcome of the country's presidential elections, which were attended by hundreds of thousands of people.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)