The protests are diffuse and largely leaderless, and the president's efforts at mediation — and the killings and arrests by security forces — have not convinced the demonstrators to stay off the streets.

At least 29 Iranian protesters have reportedly been killed in unrest across the nation, putting its rulers under huge pressure after Trump threatened to intervene.

US shifts Iran policy as Trump administration revives aggressive messaging toward Tehran, contrasting sharply with previous diplomatic approaches.

Rights groups accuse security forces of killing protesters and storming a hospital in the province of Ilam. State media claimed that some protesters were armed.

Since the supreme leader's remarks, Iran's judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, said authorities would "listen to protesters and critics who legitimately and rightly have concerns about their livelihood and social and economic welfare".

Iran shifts from import subsidies to direct $7 monthly payments for citizens as the currency loses its value and protests intensify nationwide, according to reports.