Iranian administration vows to address concerns over price hikes after protests

The Iranian administration has assured the nation that it will work to tackle the economic problems in the country following protests in some cities over price hikes and unauthorized credit institutions.

Iran’s First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri highlighted the administration’s economic achievements and ongoing efforts in that sphere, emphasizing that the country’s economy is all in all “on the right track” despite “certain shortcomings.”

The official added that “the prices of several commodities may have seen a rise due to some incidents, and each case has its own reason,” adding that the government is duty-bound to revise them.

The price hikes triggered demonstrations earlier this week in a number of Iranian cities, including the capital, Tehran, and Mashhad, with the participants demanding the administration of President Hassan Rouhani resolve the economic woes.

Several arrests were made during the gatherings, which were organized without permits from relevant authorities. Local officials said those arrested were trying to damage public property.

Police also exercised restraint in bringing the situation under control.

The vice president further warned that certain sides have used the economic issues as a “pretext” to harm the government, saying those behind such attempts should immediately be identified.

Jahangiri also emphasized that warnings and guidelines of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei should be taken seriously in order to turn threats into opportunities.

He further called on all political groups in the country to join hands and help resolve the country’s problems.

The protests over economic issues coincided with the anniversary of the 2009 mass rallies that were held in support of the Islamic Republic and put an end to post-election unrest back then.

On Saturday, millions of Iranians across held nationwide demonstrations on to commemorate the occasion known as “Dey 9 epic.”

In a final communiqué, the demonstrators called for unity among the Iranian nation in the face of foreign plots, also urging the officials to respond to the economic problems and combat inflation to rub the hegemonic powers of “delusional pretexts” to sow “new sedition” in the country.

Ayatollah Khamenei said in August that economic issues were the country’s top priority, urging Iranian officials to make relentless efforts to solve problems facing people, including unemployment among the youth.

PressTV-Economy, Iran’s foremost priority: Leader

Ayatollah Khamenei says economic issues are Iran’s first and foremost priority.

“Economy must be the top priority of all members and sectors of the government,” the Leader said in a meeting with President Hassan Rouhani and the members of his administration in Tehran on the occasion of the Administration Week.

On Wednesday, Ayatollah Khamenei once again called on officials to pursue Resistance Economy with determination in order to address “high prices, inflation and recession.”

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