In pictures: Iran's election crisis

An Ahmadinejad supporter flashes the Victory sign in Tehran, 10 June

The election in Iran sparked huge interest across the country, with supporters of all sides taking to the streets.

Mousavi supporters gather at Haydarniya Stadium, Tehran, 9 June

Leading presidential challenger Mir Hossein Mousavi ran a vibrant campaign. His followers, wearing green, turned out in force for a rally at Tehran's Haydarniya stadium.

Iranian women wait to cast their vote at a mosque in Tehran on 12 June

Turnout was high and election officials kept some polling stations open for several hours after the scheduled close.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei casts his vote in Tehran on 12/6/09

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, told Iranians to vote "based on their own views and decisions". "God willing, the best and the most deserving person will be elected," he added.

Opposition supporter making a V sign in front of a burning bus

Official results quickly gave President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a resounding victory, with 63% of the vote compared to Mr Mousavi's 34%. Claiming the vote was rigged, protesters took to the streets.

Meanwhile, Mr Ahmadinejad's supporters also took to the streets to cheer his win.

One day after the election, traces of the campaign were already being painted over near Mr Mousavi's Tehran campaign headquarters.

Mir Hossein Mousavi, with his wife Zahra Rahnavard, speaking at a rally in Tehran on 15 June

But the large protests continued. Mr Mousavi appeared at some, saying: "What the people are asking for is for their votes to be counted and their rights to be defended."

Supporters of Mir Hossein Mousavi run through streets during a demonstration in Tehran

Following days of violence and the death of at least 30 people, foreign journalists were banned from leaving their offices to report on events. But images continued to be sent from the streets.

Amateur footage showing pro-government militia apparently firing at opposition demonstrators on 15 June 2009

Amateur footage emerged showing pro-government militia apparently firing at opposition demonstrators in Tehran. Eight people were killed during a rally on 15 June, but authorities blamed the violence on "thugs".

In his first public comments on the protests, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said protests had to end and the result must be accepted. He attacked foreign "interference", singling out the "evil" UK government.

A supporter of Iranian opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi

But the protests continued. Here supporters of Iranian opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi chant "freedom, freedom" during Friday prayers in Tehran.

A rally at the Behesht-e-Zahra cemetery, just outside Tehran, 30 July 2009

At the end of July state TV said police used tear gas to disperse crowds from the grave of Neda Agha Soltan, a young woman whose death became a symbol of post-election unrest.

A courtroom during the first hearing in the trial of 100 people accused of rioting after the disputed re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in Tehran on 1 August

The authorities were not wholly impervious to the pressures they were under. About 140 people arrested during protests were released - though dozens are also being prosecuted.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad takes the oath of office as he stands next to Iran's judiciary chief Mahmoud Hashemi Shahrudi

The crisis looks far from being resolved. While Mr Ahmadinejad was taking his oath of office on 5 August, hundreds of protesters rallied outside despite a heavy police presence.