WASHINGTON ( CNN ) -- The Obama administration has decided to rescind invitations to Iranian diplomats for July Fourth celebrations overseas because of violent crackdowns against protesters in Iran , the White House said Wednesday . President Obama on Tuesday toughened his stance on Iran 's crackdown on protesters . `` July Fourth allows us to celebrate the freedom and the liberty we enjoy : freedom of speech , freedom of religion , freedom to assemble peacefully , freedom of the press , '' White House Spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters . `` Given the events of the past many days , those invitations will no longer be extended . '' The administration had decided to invite Iranians to the celebrations at overseas posts as part of the president 's policy of engaging the Iranian regime . In late May the State Department sent a cable to its embassies and consulates worldwide informing them they `` may invite representatives from the government of Iran '' to their July Fourth celebrations . But in a fresh cable sent to all embassies and consulates Wednesday evening , Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ordered posts `` to rescind all invitations that have been extended to Iranian diplomats for July Fourth events . `` Unfortunately the circumstances have changed and participation by Iranian diplomats would not be appropriate in light of the Iranian government 's continued violent and unjust actions against its own people , '' said the cable , obtained by CNN . `` For invitations which have been extended , posts should make clear that Iranian participation is no longer appropriate in the current circumstances . For invitations which have not been extended , no further action is needed . '' A senior administration official said Clinton made the decision , and then informed President Obama . The U.S. receptions marking Independence Day usually feature symbols of Americana , such as hot dogs , red-white-and-blue decorations and remarks by U.S. officials about America 's founding fathers . One senior administration official said Wednesday the reconsideration of the July Fourth invitations is consistent with Obama 's comments Tuesday , in which he said he was `` shocked and appalled '' at the violence against demonstrators . `` The president said yesterday how this plays out will affect what we do , '' the official said . Obama said Tuesday , `` If Iran chooses a path that abides by international norms and principles , then we are interested in healing some of the wounds of 30 years in terms of U.S.-Iranian relations . '' Watch Obama ramp up criticism of Iran » . On Tuesday , Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen , R-Florida , the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee , said an invitation to Iranian diplomats would send the wrong message to Iranians `` who are bravely standing up for the same rights and freedoms which Americans celebrate on this day . '' `` The Fourth of July is a day when we celebrate democracy and reflect on the gift of freedom which all Americans cherish , '' she said in a statement . `` The Iranian people are no less worthy of freedom and self-governance than citizens of the United States . '' Earlier this year , as part of the policy to engage Iran , Obama videotaped a message for the Iranian people on the Persian new year and U.S. officials have engaged members of the Iranian government . In March , Richard Holbrooke , the Obama administration 's special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan , spoke briefly with Iran 's deputy foreign minister , Mohammad Mehdi Akhondzadeh , at an Afghanistan conference in The Hague . Administration officials believe the U.S. will engage Iran at some point to address issues of U.S. national security , including the nuclear issue , but the idea of bilateral engagement is in a holding pattern while the violence continues . `` I would n't say engagement is off the table , but it is certainly on ice , '' a senior administration official said this week .
Administration had planned to invite Iranians to celebrations at overseas posts . The White House said the invitation was withdrawn after Iran refused and instead invited its own citizens for a reception in Washington. Participation not appropriate given `` continued violent and unjust actions '' Violence against election protesters in Iran has caused the change , officials say .