The United States has criticised Iran for, what it said, harsh treatment of Opposition protesters. Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs, P.J. Crowley, alleged yesterday that Iran is using its various security elements to try to stamp out the aspirations of Iranian people.<br/><br/>His comments followed rising reports of violence against Opposition supporters in the last few days. Yesterday, the Opposition Iranian groups said, the security forces, armed with tear gas and batons clashed with supporters of the late dissident cleric, Ayatollah Hussain al-Muntezeri as they rallied in central Iran.<br/>