Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday claimed government victory over unrest he blamed on Iran’s foreign enemies, according to state media, after protests since a hike in gasoline prices last week that have shaken the country.
“The Iranian people have again succeeded at an historic test and shown that they will not let enemies benefit from the situation, even though they might have complaints about the country’s management,” Rouhani said in remarks carried by the state broadcaster IRIB on its website.
Also earlier, Iran's supreme leader claimed that recent protests were not carried out by the people.
Recent protests which kicked off last week have been a security matter and not carried out by the people, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday in remarks published by his official website, Reuters reported.
"Friends and enemies should know we have pushed the enemy back in the military, political and security war arena," he stressed.
"This work of these days has been security work, not from the people."
Days of protests in Iran over rising fuel prices and a subsequent government crackdown have killed at least 106 people across the country Amnesty International said Tuesday, citing “credible reports.”
