Iran's Intelligence Minister Hits Out at Opposition

Iran's intelligence minister has denounced senior clerics who support the opposition, saying they stand against the Islamic republic's leadership.

Iran's state-run news agency said Heydar Moslehi singled out influential Iranian cleric and former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, during remarks to pro-government clerics in the city of Qom on Wednesday.

Mr. Rafsanjani was a supporter of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's rival, Mir Hossein Mousavi, in June's disputed presidential election.  He has criticized the post-election crackdown on opposition supporters. On Sunday, the former president accused Iran's rulers of being intolerant and silencing constructive crticism.

Intelligence Minister Moslehi says prominent clerics "who rose against the supreme leader" have infiltrated top leadership ranks.  He warned those who criticized the government would no longer be within a "safe margin."  Moslehi added authorities would investigate allegations that former President Rafsanjani's son was involved in the post-election unrest.

Mr. Rafsanjani was notably absent when Mr. Ahmadinejad was sworn in at a formal inauguration ceremony in August.