Rouhani admits discontent as Iran protests intensify

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani admitted the country’s discontent over economic hardships, lack of transparency and corruption, adding that the citizens are free to criticize authorities without disrupting public order and national security.

Iran has restricted internet services and blocked social media apps, as protests over the country’s economic state and rising prices entered the fourth day in several cities, writes the BBC.

The protest is the biggest since 2009 when Iranians took to streets against Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s re-election as president, notes The Guardian. Rouhani also condemned U.S. President Donald Trump for voicing his support for the demonstrations, saying that the same “gentleman” labeled Iran as a terrorist nation a few months back.