Iran slams US State Secretary Mike Pompeo for backing protesters

The Foreign Ministry of Iran slammed the United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo for supporting protestors on November 17. According to the reports, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abbas Mousavi on Sunday lashed out at Mike Pompeo for backing a group of protestors in some Iranian cities. He said that the actions by a number of saboteurs have nothing to do with the Iranian Intelligent and foresighted people. Pompeo took to Twitter and said that the US will be supporting the people of Iran. Mousavi criticized the US for interfering with its internal matters, inciting and influencing to carry on the anti-government protests, as per the reports.

READ: White House Condemns Iran For 'lethal Force' Against Protesters

US criticises lethal force used on protestors

A state-run media agency reported that White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham on Sunday criticised the excessive force used on protestors who are demonstrating against the fuel price hike. She stated in an official statement that the US  supports the Iranian people in their peaceful rally against the regime that is supposed to lead them. She further added that the US condemned the excessive force and communication blackout used against demonstrators. She said that Iran has been in use of nuclear weapons and missile programs and backs terrorism for a long time.

READ: WATCH: Protesters Block Lalehzar Street In Iranian Capital Tehran

Protests erupt across Iran, several wounded

Protests erupted across Iran on Friday after the government imposed petrol rationing and raised its fuel prices. The protests involved several people who were also wounded and dozens arrested in the demonstrations that saw motorists block highways and others torch public property. Some of the worst violence seen so far was in the central city of Sirjan, where acting governor Mohammad Mahmoudabadi said a civilian was killed and fuel stations were among the public property attacked and damaged. The highways in Tehran remain shut as commuters turned off their car engines as a mark of protests. 

READ: People In Iran Turn Off Car Engines As A Sign Of Protest

READ: Internet Disrupted Amid Protests Over Fuel Prices In Iran