Iran deepens crackdown after mass protests

PARIS: Iran arrested a prominent reformist, local media reported Monday, deepening a crackdown on dissent following mass protests that posed one of the greatest challenges to the Islamic republic since its inception. The arrest of Javad Emam, spokesperson for the main reformist coalition, came days after Iranian and US officials held talks in Oman that both sides painted as positive. Emam was at least the fourth Reformist Front figure to be arrested, and his arrest came alongside those of activists and filmmakers for signing a statement critical of authorities.

Iran's leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday called on the nation to show "resolve" against foreign pressure.

In a separate development, Iran's atomic chief said Monday that Tehran could agree to dilute its most highly enriched uranium in exchange for all financial sanctions being lifted, one of the most direct indications so far of its position at talks with Washington. The US has asked Iran relinquish its stockpile of uranium enriched to up to 60% fissile purity, a step away from the 90% that is considered weapons grade. Agencies