Potential for escalation in the current situation in the country

In a largely anticipated development on 19 June 2009, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led Friday prayer services, during which he stated that the 12 June presidential election was fair and free of fraud. Khamenei re-asserted his support for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and called for an immediate end to all demonstrations, issuing a stern warning that the government will now deal harshly with any further anti-establishment rallies. Khamenei defended the Iranian political system and claimed that Iran's foreign enemies were attempting to instigate unrest. Despite the warning, reformist supporters are reportedly calling for more protest rallies to take place on 20 June; according to reports, demonstrators are planning to meet at Revolution (Enqelab) Square in Tehran, from where they will march to Freedom (Azadi) Square. The rally has not been officially approved.