Recent Unrest in Iran's Province Bordering Iraq Staged by Daesh-Linked Rioters - Governor

"Saboteurs and rioters torched many businesses in Kermanshah. They were linked to PJAK [Kurdistan Free Life Party], Daesh*, MKO [People's Mojahedin Organisation of Iran, all banned by Tehran] and anti-establishment groups, but they have all been identified by the police and security forces and will be dealt with legally", Bazvand said, as quoted by the Press TV news network.

According to the governor, the city of Kermanshah was one of those few places in Iran where the militant-linked rioters managed to capitalise on peaceful protests. The rioters, he says, attacked both ordinary people and security forces, also inflicting damage to public property and businesses.

Protests broke out in several Iranian provinces last week over the government’s decision to suddenly increase gasoline prices. Some of them turned violent and resulted in casualties among protesters and security forces. Afterwards, a number of counterrallies took place in Iran in protest against the unrest.

According to President Hassan Rouhani, the protests were organised by the United States and Israel to undermine Iran’s national security. Washington notably openly voiced support for demonstrators.