© AFP
Tensions remain high in Iran three days after a sharp hike in fuel prices sparked deadly protests in dozens of towns and cities across the country.
The situation on the streets was unclear on November 18, however, largely due to an Internet outage imposed by authorities that has stemmed the flow of videos and communications shared on social media.
Officials said six people had been killed in clashes --
including three protesters, two members of Iran's security forces, and one security guard -- but reports suggest the death toll could be much higher.
Iran's government on November 18 insisted that its decision to ration fuel and increase the price was the right one.
"The president [Hassan Rohani] has shown courage with the rationing of fuel and made the right economic decision, even if many disagree," said government spokesman Ali Rabiei on November 18, while warning that violence and vandalism would not be tolerated.
The AFP news agency quoted Rabiei as saying the situation was "calmer" though there were still "some minor issues."
Comment: Moscow
doesn't rule out that external forces are contributing to the protests: "The current situation is already difficult and tense: the significant increase in gasoline prices, of course, added fuel to the fire, but external forces are also actively working," said Zamir Kabulov, director of the Second Asia Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
"The US's goal vis-à-vis Iran is nothing other than to disturb its security and set fire to the Iranian nation's interests," Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani
told the Parliament's Monday session. This was in response to comments from US Secretary of State Pompeo:
Pompeo has voiced outright support for acts of violence staged across various Iranian cities under the guise of protests against fuel price hikes. The violence has seen anarchists destroying public property and setting ablaze banks and gas stations among other facilities.
Larijani said through the remarks, "He (Pompeo) openly supports immolation of the Iranian people's properties through foolish shamelessness and opportunism, while calling it defending the Iranian people."
Such comments, Larijani added, serve to openly manifest the US's destructive ambitions regarding the Islamic Republic.
See also:
Comment: Moscow doesn't rule out that external forces are contributing to the protests: "The current situation is already difficult and tense: the significant increase in gasoline prices, of course, added fuel to the fire, but external forces are also actively working," said Zamir Kabulov, director of the Second Asia Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
"The US's goal vis-à-vis Iran is nothing other than to disturb its security and set fire to the Iranian nation's interests," Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani told the Parliament's Monday session. This was in response to comments from US Secretary of State Pompeo: See also: