BREAKING NEWS

Khamenei lauds state rally, warns West against interfering

TEHERAN, Iran  — Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised themassive turnout at the government-backed rally marking the 1979 IslamicRevolution on Thursday and warned the West to stop putting obstacles in hiscountry's path.

State Press TV reported on Friday that Khamenei thanked the "tens of millions" who showed up on the anniversary. The gathering reflected the nation's strength and that it's timefor "foreign enemies to wake up and abandon futile efforts tosubjugate" Iran, Khamenei said.

The statement was posted on Khamenei's Web sitelate Thursday, hours after the state-organized rally dwarfed oppositiongatherings across Teheran.

Police clashed with anti-governmentprotesters in several locations, firing tear gas to disperse them andpaintballs to mark them for arrest.