The United States said Monday it was "deeply concerned" by the violence in Egypt, but called for elections to be held as soon as possible despite three days of deadly clashes between protesters and security forces.

White House spokesman Jay Carney said it was important that the US ally move toward democratic elections.

"We're deeply concerned about the violence," he said. "We call on restraint of all sides."

Carney's comments came on the third straight day of clashes in Cairo's Tahrir Square that has left 24 people dead, plunging Egypt into its worst crisis since the fall of Hosni Mubarak in February.

But Carney noted that it was "important to step back and remember how far Egypt has traveled this year. And it's important that Egypt continues to move to make that transition to the democracy that the people of Egypt demanded. And, as a result of their demands, they ended a multi-decade dictatorship."

At the US State Department, spokeswoman Victoria Nuland echoed the White House call for "free, fair elections," and expressed hope the electoral process would remain on schedule.

"We need to see a free, fair and transparent election on the 28th (of November) and that's what will be a first step in demonstrating that not only governing authorities but all parties involved are sticking to the democratic roadmap and that it has integrity going forward," she said.

The Pentagon separately Monday urged restraint in Egypt and also stressed the importance of holding elections.

"We certainly share everyone's concerns about the violence there and urge everybody to show restraint," spokesman Captain John Kirby told reporters.

The Pentagon was "gratified that the Supreme Council of the Armed forces intends to move forward with the elections" next week, Kirby said.

"We believe that elections are incredibly important in terms of the final resolution here for Egypt and the Egyptian people," he added.

In Egypt, political forces behind the uprising have called for a mass rally on Tuesday to demand that the army cede power to civilian rule.

The Coalition of Revolution Youth and the April 6 movement, among others, also called for the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Essam Sharaf's cabinet and the formation of a "national salvation" government.

They also demanded a presidential election to be held by April 2012 and a complete overhaul of the interior ministry.

Police and military forces on Monday sporadically used batons, tear gas and birdshot against thousands of protesters in Tahrir Square demanding for a third straight day that the ruling military cede power to a civilian authority.

The Supreme Council, in a statement read out on state television, said it "regretted" what was happening and said it was committed to the elections timetable.