rki.news
Tehran
Pro-government rallies were held in several Iranian cities on Monday as anti-government demonstrations entered their 16th day, fueled by worsening economic conditions and the sharp depreciation of the national currency.
In Tehran, crowds gathered at Enghelab Square near the University of Tehran, waving Iranian flags and condemning violence in public places, according to local media. Participants voiced support for the government while urging authorities to address rising prices and inflation, and rejected what they described as foreign interference.
Similar rallies were reported in Kerman, Zahedan, and Birjand, as anti-government protests continued in multiple locations nationwide.
Iranian officials have accused the United States and Israel of backing armed groups involved in attacks on public sites. Iran’s Intelligence Ministry said 273 weapons were seized and three people arrested during the transit of an international cargo truck, according to Fars News Agency. Authorities also reported the arrest of a five-member group linked to a banned Kurdish party in Khorramabad, along with 15 others allegedly connected to Persian-language opposition media operating abroad.
The unrest began last month amid deepening economic pressures and a record fall of the rial to around 145,000 against the US dollar, driving up prices of essential goods.
Tensions with Washington remain high, with US media reporting that President Donald Trump is weighing options while noting that Tehran has sought talks on the nuclear issue. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned of a strong response to any external threats.
Human rights group HRANA estimates at least 544 people have been killed and more than 10,000 detained nationwide.