A powerful Iranian parliamentary vetting body controllled by conservatives has barred hundreds of reformists from standing as candidates in elections in the country next month.
Among those affected by the ban is a brother of the reformist President, Mohammad Khatami.
Reformist MPs walked out of parliament in protest at the action by the Council of Guardians, which has blocked scores of bills approved by parliament in recent years.
President Khatami urged his supporters to react to the decision calmly and through legal channels.
