During past unrest, conservative outlets have focused on attacks against sensitive symbols such as religious buildings as a way of tarnishing the protests. Iran Air announced that it would take delivery of five ATR aircraft from the French-Italian firm on Sunday, sneaking under the wire before the sanctions on aircraft purchases return. Iran says the sanctions are endangering lives by blocking the sale of new planes and spare parts for its ageing fleets. Increased US hostility has also driven a run on Iran’s currency, which has lost around two-thirds of its value in six months. “There is a massive loss of confidence in the financial system and the government’s ability to control things and withstand sanctions,” she told AFP.

Source: The Guardian August 04, 2018 09:11 UTC