UN Chief calls on Iran to show restraint, restore communications

"The Secretary-General urges the Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from unnecessary or disproportionate use of force," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

He further urges steps that enable access to information in the country, including restoring communications, the statement reads.

Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.

In a televised address on Friday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei urged people in Iran to preserve unity, saying that some protesters try to please the United States.

Deadly clashes have been reported between police and what the government described as "rioters" amid the ongoing protests. No official death toll has been released.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the ongoing mass protests in Iran, which have become the largest wave of anti-government demonstrations in the country in the past 3 years. In a post published on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote:

Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP.