Iran says security forces to clamp down on protests

DUBAI (Reuters) – Iranian security forces will “resolutely confront” unrest that could be exploited by the United States and other enemies, a judiciary spokesman said on Sunday, after a wave of protests sprouted across the country mainly about economic issues.

The likely return of US economic sanctions after Washington withdrew from the Iranian nuclear deal with world powers has triggered labor unrest and protests in Iran in the past few weeks by various groups, including teachers and truckers.

Earlier in May, at least two people were killed in the southern city of Kazeroon when protesters set fire to a police station.

Iran’s ruling elite are anxious to prevent any repeat of unrest in late December, when people staged demonstrations in 80 cities and towns over poor living standards. Some called on Shi’ite Muslim clerical leaders to step down.

“Judicial and security bodies... will resolutely confront any group or individual that wants to compromise the country’s security,” said Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei, the second-highest official in the country’s judicial system, according the judiciary’s news website Mizanonline.

“I urges families not to let their children be fooled by psychological warfare... launched by the enemy, especially Zionists and Americans, and not let counter-revolutionaries infiltrate crowds of protesters with legitimate demands.

“These days, Americans and Zionists have become so desperate that they are reaching out to the most despicable individuals and terrorists,” he said.

President Hassan Rouhani has assured Iranians that their oil-reliant economy can withstand new US sanctions.