Iran closes leading newspapers

Iran: Iran has shut down three daily newspapers critical of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, according to reports by state-run news agencies.

While no reason was given, the newspapers had been considered sympathetic towards those protesting over Ahmadinejad's disputed re-election in June.

The papers closed on Tuesday were Tahlil Rooz, and two of the most influential reformist newspapers Farhang Ashdi (Culture of Reconciliation) and Arman (Ideals) published in the capital, Tehran.

Some reports suggest the reason for the closure was a law which bans papers from receiving funds from abroad.

Several journalists have been detained on allegations of incitement as part of a media crackdown following the unrest that followed this year's elections.