Exiled Iranian opposition activists say they are studying and training in the techniques of "non-violent conflict", learning from the same US groups that contributed to the success of movements for change in Serbia, Georgia and Ukraine.

While few Iranians in the US harbour expectations that the Iranian government is about to crumble, the exiled community sees the presidential election tomorrow as an important test of the fragmented opposition's ability to garner support in its campaign for the elections to be boycotted.