Iran death toll hits 12 as armed protesters storm military bases

AT least 12 protesters have been killed and others wounded in fierce clashes in Iran as widespread demonstrations against the regime entered their fifth day yesterday.

Armed men tried to overrun military bases and police stations, killing a police officer, before they were pushed back in the most violent night since protests began last Thursday.

Donald Trump took aim at the regime yesterday, tweeting that it was ‘time for change’ as he blasted Barack Obama’s nuclear deal with the country.

In a broadside at Iranian president Hassan Rouhani, he wrote: ‘Iran is failing at every level despite the terrible deal made with them by the Obama administration. The great Iranian people have been repressed for many years. They are hungry for food and for freedom.’

The demonstrations, which have drawn tens of thousands, began as a response to economic hardship but soon turned more political, and at least 200 have been arrested. Video footage broadcast on state television shows a ransacked bank, overturned cars and a fire engine that appeared to have been set ablaze.

It was reported that clashes on Sunday night killed ten. State TV said: ‘Armed protesters tried to take over police stations and military bases but faced serious resistance from security forces.’ It did not say where the attacks occurred.

Yesterday it was reported that two protesters died in clashes in the south-western town of Izeh.

In Najafabad, north-east of Izeh, one police officer was shot dead and three wounded, a police spokesman said yesterday. He said: ‘A rioter fired shots at police with a hunting rifle. Three were wounded, and one was martyred.’

On Sunday, Iran blocked Instagram and the popular messaging app Telegram used by activists to organise.

The uprising has seen protesters calling for unelected Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to resign.

Demonstrations have also been linked to 10 per cent inflation, high unemployment and egg and poultry prices soaring by as much as 40 per cent. President Rouhani acknowledged the public’s anger but warned that the government would crack down on criminals.