However, they took on new importance after the economic protests began on Thursday, sparked by social media posts and a surge in prices of basic food supplies, inlcuding eggs and poultry. Demonstrators also have criticised the government during the protests, with social media videos showing clashes between protesters and police. However, information about them remains scarce as both state-run and semi-official media in Iran have not widely reported on the protests. The economic protests initially just put pressure on Rouhani's administration, but purported footage from recent demonstrations have included anti-government chants. The State Department issued a statement Friday supporting the protests, referencing earlier comments made by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Source: Bangkok Post December 30, 2017 10:28 UTC