Iran has accused Britain and the United States of meddling after Britain urged Tehran to release protesters arrested in connection with demonstrations against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's disputed re-election.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast faulted British and U.S. officials for making remarks that he said clearly interfered with Iran's internal affairs. At his weekly news conference on Tuesday, he also said regional nations would no longer tolerate what he called the “colonial policies” of the two countries.

On Monday, British Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt urged Iran to release protesters detained on Sunday, as well as those who have been detained over the past two years, for rallying against the disputed 2009 presidential election.

On Sunday, Iranian opposition leaders said police in Tehran attacked and arrested protesters who were marking the 2nd anniversary of Mr. Ahmadinejad's re-election.

Opposition leaders had called for a silent rally to mark the 2009 vote, which they say was rigged to assure Mr. Ahmadinejad's victory. The government has denied the fraud allegations.