Situation in Iran remains tense

The situation in Iran remains tense on 23 June 2009. In a new development, the powerful Council of Guardians announced the conclusion of its investigation into allegations of voting irregularities during the 12 June presidential election. As expected, the council stood by the election outcome, stating that despite discrepancies that affected as many as 3 million votes, there was no evidence of fraud and the election will not be annulled. The opposition has essentially exhausted all legal means of contesting the election, as the Council of Guardians and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have confirmed the official results. In an effort to defuse some tensions and "resolve ambiguities," the government has announced plans to publish the results. Nevertheless, tensions remain high, and the council's announcement may further stoke them and motivate reformist supporters to sustain their street rally campaign. Although rallies have been of smaller scale in recent days, they are expected to continue for the time being. There has been no indication thus far that a strike rumoured to take place on 23 June has materialised. Unconfirmed sources had been reporting that reformist supporters were attempting to organize a national strike that would have affected the oil sector; however, no further information regarding it has emerged. The opposition is likely to stage some type of street demonstration on 23 June, although no reports of rallies or protests have emerged so far; security forces used tear gas and water cannons to break up a rally in central Tehran on 22 June. Supporters of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad were planning to stage a demonstration on 23 June against the U.K.'s alleged interference in Iran's internal affairs. The protest was scheduled to take place outside the British Embassy in Tehran; however, reports indicate that the Iranian government has denied permission for the demonstration. The overall situation is unpredictable and should continue to be closely monitored by those with interests in Iran. The media blackout is ongoing, as are crackdowns by authorities and disruptions to communication services. Commercial flight operations are reportedly normal, though travelers may encounter ground transportation disruptions as a result of the ongoing unrest. In light of the current developments, non-essential travel to Iran should be postponed for the time being. Those currently in Iran, especially Tehran, should exercise a higher than normal degree of caution.