Briefly

IRAN

Opposition warned before anti-U.S. rally

TEHRAN | The head of Tehran’s anti-riot police threatened opposition protesters Tuesday with a full-scale assault if they return to the streets during government-backed events marking the takeover of the U.S. Embassy.

Reformist leaders, however, have shown no sign of backing off their calls for marches to compete with Wednesday’s state-sanctioned gatherings - which include an annual anti-American rally outside the brick walls of the former embassy compound.

The head of Tehran’s anti-riot units, Gen. Ali Reza Alipour, said police would use all their “power and capacity” against protesters. Tehran’s prosecutor, Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi, said even chants that “deviate” from the official ceremonies could bring arrest. On Monday, the powerful Revolutionary Guard - which led the postelection crackdown - warned opposition groups against disrupting the ceremonies.

But the opposition appeared determined not to lose the moment. Dozens of pro-reform Web sites issued appeals to join protests. The calls were given a boost last week by defiant statements from opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi and former President Mohammad Khatami - vowing that their challenges to the system are not flagging.

ISRAEL

Spy chief claims Gaza rocket upgrade

JERUSALEM | Hamas militants in Gaza have successfully test-fired an Iranian rocket able to reach Israel’s largest urban center, the country’s military intelligence chief said Tuesday.

Maj. Gen. Amos Yadlin told parliament’s foreign affairs and defense committee that the rocket could fly 37 miles, and strike metropolitan Tel Aviv, Israeli media reported.

Until now, rockets fired from Gaza have reached up to 25 miles, putting one-eighth of Israel’s population within rocket range.

Gen. Yadlin said the rocket was fired in recent days, but no further details were immediately available from his testimony before the closed session. Defense officials say Palestinian militants in Gaza generally test-fire rockets into the Mediterranean Sea.

Most of the Hamas rockets targeted at Israel are crude projectiles cobbled together in small metal shops. But militants also have fired more sophisticated, longer-range weapons, believed made from parts originating in Syria or Iran.

SYRIA

Lawyer charged with publishing lies

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