The streets of Tehran returned to normal today after a night of sporadic violence during which Islamic vigilantes, some armed with assault rifles, delivered a tough response to a spate of pro-democracy protests.
In the rush-hour morning traffic at the start of Iran's working week there were no signs of the hardline militiamen who had attacked protesters with impunity just hours before, hauling women out of their cars and beating young men with chains.
The violence in the early hours of today, although confined to a small area of the capital, was the most serious since the US-applauded demonstrations began four days ago.
The students' news agency ISNA reported that attackers had burst into three separate university dormitories in Tehran during the night, beating students and smashing furniture.
It said riot police intervened, firing teargas. Some injured students were hospitalised, ISNA said on its Web site. An Interior Ministry spokesman declined to comment on the unrest.
Diplomats said the tough action by the vigilantes, who wear no uniforms and are fiercely loyal to Iran's conservative clerical leaders, appeared intended to intimidate protesters.
"They want to send a clear message that the protests have crossed their line of tolerance," a diplomat in Tehran said. "It's hard to say whether it will have the desired effect or not. It could backfire and make people even more angry."
While venting most of their anger at unelected clerics who wield ultimate power in Iran, the protesters have also lambasted moderate President Mohammad Khatami. They accuse him of failing to deliver promised reforms after six years in power.