They shouted "Death to Italy, death to Berlusconi," Frattini said, adding that police intervened to "prevent a veritable attack on the Italian embassy."

A ministry spokeswoman told AFP that some protesters threw stones at the embassy.

The foreign minister said no "significant damage" was caused.

Frattini said Italy had cancelled its attendance at ceremonies in Tehran on Thursday marking the anniversary of the Iranian Revolution.

In Jerusalem last Wednesday, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi pledged Italy's firm support for Tehran's arch-foe Israel and urged "effective sanctions" against Iran.

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