At least 67 people were arrested after clashes with law enforcement on Friday
The United States is “deeply concerned” by the “violent crackdown” which has descended on “peaceful” protesters in Isfahan, Iran, the State Department spokesman said on Saturday.
“The Iranian people have the right to express their frustration and hold their government accountable,” Ned Price tweeted, referring to the local population’s discontent at the drought that is raging in the region.
At least 67 people were arrested after clashes with the police on Friday during a new demonstration against the drying up of an emblematic river in Isfahan, the country’s third city, according to Iranian police.
For more than two weeks, rallies have been organized by residents who have complained about the terrible drought affecting the area for years.
In particular, they blame the authorities for diverting water from the city to supply the neighboring province of Yazd, which is also in dire need of water.
The arrests were carried out by the police, the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological army of the Islamic Republic, and the intelligence services.
The United States and Iran are due to resume their indirect negotiations in Vienna on Monday in an attempt to save the Iran nuclear deal.
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