Iran bans foreign journalists from covering rallies

TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) - Iran's government Tuesday banned all members of the foreign media from covering rallies in Tehran being held in the wake of last week's disputed election.

The decision comes after video emerged showing violence at the demonstrations in support of Mir Hossein Moussavi, who is disputing the results of Friday's presidential election.

Iran's government had criticized some of that coverage and the images, describing them as biased.

All members of the foreign media - including CNN - will be banned from covering Tuesday's rallies in Tehran, but government-run media will be allowed to report on the demonstrations.

The Ministry of Culture said Tuesday that foreign journalists - including CNN - will not be allowed to cover any events in Tehran outside of their offices.

Throngs of supporters of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad crowded the streets Tuesday. Moussavi's supporters had also plan to attend a rally, although the candidate has asked his supporters to forgo the demonstration to avoid a potential clash with Ahmadinejad's backers, an official with Moussavi's camp said.

^–From CNN's Reza Sayah and Samson Desta in Tehran