Obama condemns Iran for crackdown on demonstrations

US President Barack Obama Monday condemned Iran for violently cracking down on demonstrations, warning the Islamic state it will not succeed in denying people their universal rights.

"The United States joins with the international community in strongly condemning the violent and unjust suppression of innocent Iranian citizens," Obama said while on winter vacation in Hawaii.

Daily mass demonstrations against Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad began last week, producing violent clashes with authorities that have left at least eight people dead.

More than 300 people have been arrested, according to official Iran news reports.

"The decision of Iran's leaders to govern through fear and tyranny will not succeed," Obama said.

Obama called on Iran to release detained protestors and praised those Iranians who have shown their desire for greater human rights.

"The world has watched with deep admiration for the courage and the conviction of the Iranian people who are part of Iran's great and enduring civilization," he said.

"We will continue to bear witness to the extraordinary events that are taking place there. And I'm confident that history will be on the side of those who seek justice," he added.

/DPA/