Screengrab from Twitter of protesters gathered in Behbahan, Iran, July 16, 2020

Reports and videos are claiming the renewal of protest in Iran, with demonstrations in the cities of Behbahan and Shiraz.

Clips circulating on social media showed crowds gathered in Shiraz. Protesters in Behbahan, in Khuzestan Province in southwest Iran, chanted, “We don’t want a clerical regime” and “Clerics must get lost”. They criticized Iranian interventions in the Middle East, “Not Gaza, not Lebanon, I give my live for Iran”.

Protesters also cited the deteriorating economic conditions, with production, investment, trade, and employment declining amid long-term structural problems and US sanctions.

Iran’s currency continued its collapse on Thursday, setting another all-time low of 242,500:1 v. the US dollar. The rial has lost about 65% of its value since the start of the year.

Witnesses said police fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrations. Internet monitors reported restrictions in Khuzestan, with some claims that service was cut entirely in Behbahan.

Social media activists are calling for nationwide protests at 7:00 pm Friday, challenging the death penalties imposed on three participants in mass protests in November 2019.

See Iran Authorities Confirm 3 Death Sentences Over November Protests

November’s protests were sparked by the Government’s sudden increase of petrol prices by 50% to 200%. The demonstrations criticized corruption, unemployment, inflation, and a collapse in living standards.

Amnesty International documented the killing of 304 protesters by security forces, with many people shot at close range and while fleeing. Iranian officials said up to 1,500 people — security forces, demonstrators, and bystanders — were slain.

Behbehan was a center of the November rallies, with at least 10 protesters killed. Amid the anger over corruption and loss of savings, banks and Government buildings were burnt.

Last night’s protest in front of Bank Melli — “Shame on the [paramilitary] Basij, leave your country”: