The United States on Wednesday condemned the use of violence by Iranian security forces against people protesting waters shortages.
"We support the rights of Iranians to peacefully assemble and express themselves, without fear of violence and detention by security forces," State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement.
Protests over water shortages began more than 12 days ago in the southwest, where several people have been reported killed, according to Iranian media.
The southwestern province of Khuzestan has been gripped by drought since March.
Also, rolling blackouts began in Tehran and other large cities this month, with officials blaming them on the impact of drought on hydroelectric power generation, as well as surging demand.
