Iran's top leader warns of protest crackdown

ALI AKBAR DAREINI Associated Press Writers TEHRAN

Iran's supreme leader said today that the country's disputed presidential vote had not been rigged, sternly warning protesters of a crackdown if they continue massive demonstrations demanding a new election. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sided with hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and offered no concessions to the opposition. He effectively closed any chance for a new vote by calling the June 12 election an "absolute victory." The speech created a stark choice for candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi and his supporters: Drop their demands for a new vot...