Isolated protests have been reported in Iran’s capital Tehran and several other cities, according to local media, amid growing economic tensions in the country.
The demonstrations began on December 28 after shopkeepers launched a strike over economic grievances. The unrest coincided with Iran’s currency, the rial, plunging to a record low against the US dollar in late December.
Over the past week, the protests have expanded in scale, with participants also raising political demands.
Local media reported isolated incidents during the protests, including stone-throwing and rubbish bins being set on fire. No major violence was reported. State authorities warned of what they described as foreign attempts to instigate unrest and organise demonstrations.
Clashes were also reported in parts of western Iran, including Malekshahi, an area with a significant Kurdish population, according to media accounts.
Coverage of the protests has remained limited in state-run outlets, which have downplayed the demonstrations. At the same time, videos circulating on social media showing unrest in various cities could not be independently verified.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday acknowledged the protests, saying such incidents occur “from time to time and sporadically,” citing demonstrations in Tehran, Kazerun and other cities. He said 14 people, including members of the security forces, have been killed since the protests began.