AFP journalist detained in Iran

Iranian officials say Mr Pouladi's case is being looked into as a priority

A journalist for Agence France Presse has been detained by Iranian security forces, the news agency has said.

Farhad Pouladi was taken into custody as he tried to cover a demonstration in Tehran on Wednesday marking 30 years since the seizure of the US embassy.

Mr Pouladi was riding on a motorcycle when he was stopped, and had not been heard from since, the AFP bureau said.

Wednesday's demonstration was disrupted by large crowds of opposition supporters, who clashed with police.

Witnesses told the BBC the security forces had used tear gas and batons. But the Iranian government defended the response, saying that the protests had been illegal.

The Iranian authorities imposed restrictions on media coverage of demonstrations following the mass opposition rallies after June's disputed presidential election.

The ministry of culture and Islamic guidance has given assurances to AFP that Mr Pouladi's case is being looked into as a priority.