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Protesters have shouted slogans in support of a key opponent of the Iranian president, during a mass rally in Tehran, reports say. Witnesses reported chanting in support of Mir Hossein Mousavi who was defeated by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in June's disputed presidential election. Police were deployed in the city for the annual Quds Day rally, and warned against anti-government protests. Thousands of people are taking part, including government supporters. Iranian authorities had warned the opposition not to stage anti-government protests during Quds Day. Mr Mousavi was expected to attend, and Mr Ahmadinejad was due to give a speech later. Pro-Mousavi supporters were wearing green - the colour of his election campaign - and shouting slogans. The day began peacefully, AP said, with thousands of Mr Ahmadinejad's supporters marching along roads in central Tehran. Police and security troops were present. According to Reuters news agency there were clashes between Iranian police and protesters as the march progressed. In the aftermath of the election, there was a violent crackdown on anti-government protesters, with several deaths and hundreds arrested.