Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday backed the increase in gasoline prices, which sparked protests throughout Iran, accusing opponents of the Islamic Republic and foreign enemies in "sabotage", according to Iranian state television.
"Undoubtedly, some people are concerned about this decision ... but sabotage and arson committed by bullies, not our people. The counter-revolution and the enemies of Iran have always supported sabotage and security breaches and continue to do so," said Ayatollah Khamenei.
on Saturday, Iranian news agencies and social networks have reported that the demonstrators chanted anti-government slogans throughout the country, some protests turned into violent clashes with police, the day after the government raised the price of gasoline.
According to the decision of the Iranian authorities, the price of gasoline was increased from 10 000 to 15 000 rials (approximately 0.13 USD) per liter, except vehicles for personal use should be limited to 60 litres of fuel per month for the purchase of fuel in excess of the selected conditions will be subject to an additional charge of 30 thousand riyals (approximately 0.26 USD) per liter.
on Saturday, Iranian officials said that one person was killed during the assault on the tank farm in the southeastern city of Sirjan, while in social networks it was reported several other deaths of members of the security forces during clashes with protesters in Tehran and dozens of cities.
Khamenei said that the increase in gasoline prices based on the opinion of experts should be implemented, but he urged officials not to allow rise in prices for other goods.
the Semi-official news Agency ISNA reported that Internet access in Iran was limited by order of the state security Council after two days of protests against rising gasoline prices and rationing.
Iran's Rulers seek to prevent a repeat of the unrest the end of 2017, when in 80 cities of the country, people staged protests about the low standard of living, and some of them urged the leaders of the Muslim Shia clergy to resign. Iranian officials said that during these protests killed 22 people.
