Iran's supreme leader 'likes' Facebook despite ban

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appears to have joined Facebook despite a ban on the US-based social media site in the country.

It was banned because of its popular use by opposition activists to organise large-scale demonstrations in protest of the 2009 presidential election.

The Facebook page "Khamenei.ir" displays photographs of the 73-year-old cleric as well as speeches excerpts, news and updates.

The page has been promoted by a Twitter account of the same name that Iran experts believe is run by Khamenei's office, according to Reuters.

Since its launch on December 13, the page has received over 1,600 likes.