The Iranian President, Mohammad Khatami, has ordered an investigation into the harassment of foreign tourists, particularly women, during last week's eclipse of the sun. The city of Isfahan was promoted as one of the best places to watch the eclipse, but local papers reported Islamic hardliners had chanted hostile slogans and harassed those who came to see. The Culture Minister Ataollah Mohajerani described the harassment as barbaric while a leading cleric Ali Qazi-Askar called for authorities to take action against those who attacked Iran's guests.
Correspondents say Iran is keen to boost foreign tourism.