Protests outside EU embassies in Iran: diplomats

(TEHRAN) - Dozens of pro-regime militants demonstrated outside several EU embassies in Iran on Tuesday to protest Europe's attitude towards Iran and its controversial nuclear programme, European diplomats said.

They said the protesters gathered outside the embassies of France, Germany and Italy -- all of which were under heavy police guard -- and chanted slogans against those countries.

The only reported trouble was when a stone was thrown at the Italian mission, without causing any damage.

France and Italy have joined the United States in calling for "strong" new sanctions against the Islamic republic over its decision to begin further enriching uranium amid Western fears it is developing a nuclear bomb.

Germany is one of six world powers engaged in talks on Iran's nuclear drive. Berlin, which has traditionally enjoyed close trade ties with Iran, has bolstered in recent weeks its backing for a fourth round of sanctions.

In 1979, shortly after the Islamic revolution, students seized the US embassy and took 52 diplomats hostage, prompting Washington to break off diplomatic relations. The hostages were held for 444 days.