DUBAI: Iran summoned British and Norwegian ambassadors over alleged interference and hostile media coverage of the nationwide unrest caused by the death of a woman detained by morality police.
Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian also criticised US support for rioters - a label Tehran has used for many who have joined the protests that have swept the country, prompting a security crackdown and curbs on internet and phones.
More than a week ago at the funeral of a 22-year-old Kurdish woman named Mahsa Amini, who died in detention after being arrested by the police enforcing the Islamic Republic's strict restrictions on women's dress, has turned into the biggest protest in years.
According to sources in the cities of Hamedan, Urmia, Rasht and Tabriz, there were clashes between security forces and protesters in several northwestern regions. There were also protests in districts of the capital, Tehran, said Activists.
A main teachers union called for teachers and students to stage the first national strike since the unrest began on Monday and Wednesday, in a statement posted on social media on Sunday.
It has been said that teachers, trade unions, military veterans and artists should stand with pupils, students and people seeking justice in these difficult but hopeful days. Details of casualties have trickled out slowly because of restrictions on communication.
The sister of a 20-year-old woman identified as Hadis Najafi told a US-based activist she died on Wednesday after being shot by security forces. Videos of Najafi had been shared on Twitter, showing her without hijab and protesting in Karaj, 30 km northwest of Tehran.
The EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Iran should immediately stop the violent crackdown on protests and ensure internet access. He also called for information about the number of people killed and arrested, and an investigation into Mahsa Amini President Ebrahim Raisi's death. He said that acts of chaos were unacceptable and that Iran must deal decisively with the unrest. At the United Nations, he said that extensive coverage of Amini's case was double standards pointing out deaths in US police custody.
Amirabdollahian said the United States was supporting 'rioters' and trying to destabilise Iran, a position he said contradicted American calls for stability in the region and a nuclear deal with Tehran.
Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned Britain's ambassador in response to the hostile nature of London-based Persian language media. Britain's foreign ministry said that it championed media freedom and condemned Iran's crackdown on protesters, journalists and internet freedom.