Reformist’s aide says Iran has barred opposition leader from travel to Japan conference

Iran bars reformist leader from Japan conference

TEHRAN, Iran — A close aide to one of Iran’s leading reformists says authorities have barred the opposition leader from traveling abroad and attending a nuclear disarmament conference in Japan.

The ban is the latest in efforts to muzzle dissent and opposition to Iran’s clerical rule.

The aide says security officials told former President Mohammad Khatami of the ban. The aide refused to discuss details. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

Emiko Nakamura, spokeswoman for the InterAction Council in Japan, confirmed Khatami’s absence from the conference.

She says the organizers in Hiroshima received an e-mail from Khatami’s office Thursday night saying he was unable to attend due to an unexpected development in his country.