Nearly 49,000 people file paperwork to run for parliament, though all contenders must be approved by 12-member Guardian Council

Amid rising tensions between foes, descision blames former presidents Bush and Obama, CIA, Treasury and others for having 'central role' in directing terrorist attacks in country

Though many support theocratic regime, mandatory hijab, some residents say anti-government protesters treated too harshly, women who flout dress code should be warned, not arrested

In video footage, jubilant protesters seen marching alongside the building as it's engulfed by flames; demonstrations renew in 23 cities

Literary representative for 'The Satanic Verses' author tells newspaper he suffered wounds to his neck, chest and torso in 'brutal attack'

Ali Tehrani, 96, publicly criticized Islamic Republic and Shah monarchy before that, admitted 'we should have put the Iranian republic to the vote' after 1979 revolution

Founder of Islamic Republic appealed to Soviet leader to 'seriously study' the religion in order to 'resolve the fundamental problems of humanity'

Hadi Matar tells NY Post from jail that he was not in touch with Iran's Revolutionary Guard, but refuses to say if attack inspired by Iranian leader's fatwa

PM Lapid says author's attempted murder is 'the result of decades of incitement'; deputy FM adds regime in Tehran is a threat to the free world

Activists, opposition groups note Iranian supreme leader has reiterated support for Khomeini's fatwa calling to kill author, say $3 million bounty on his life remains on offer