Iran irked by U.N. human rights report

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TEHRAN, March 13 (UPI) -- The latest assessment on the human rights situation in Iran sounds like it was written by the United States and its European allies, Iran said.

U.N. Special Envoy on the Human Rights Situation in Iran Ahmed Shaheed,expressed concern about the lack of civil rights in Iran. He said restrictions on free speech and free assembly would undermine the legitimacy of Iranian elections planned for June.

Mohammed-Javad Larijani, secretary-general of the High Council for Human Rights in Iran, said the report was "unprofessional" and echoed sentiments from "the United States and some European countries," reports state-funded broadcaster Press TV.

Iran said it was watching for foreign meddling in the country's electoral affairs. Elections in 2009 were marred by violence not witnessed in Iran since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

U.S. President Barack Obama signed an executive order Tuesday that extended the national emergency as it relates to Iran for another year.

"The actions and policies of the government of Iran continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States," a presidential statement read.

Iran is suspected of supporting regional terrorist groups like Hezbollah. It's also alleged to have nuclear weapon ambitions, a sentiment challenged by Tehran.