By Parisa Hafezi

DUBAI, (Reuters) – Iranian security forces fired tear gas and live rounds to disperse pro-government protestors in several provincial areas on Thursday. According to reports on social media, the protests sparked by high food prices continue to grow.

After prices for certain flour-based staples rose by 300%, Iranians protested in the streets. Protests soon turned into political with people calling for the end of Iran’s Islamic Republic. This was echoing 2019’s unrest that began because fuel prices rose.

Reuters did not verify the footage on social media, but it showed that at least six people were killed and dozens more injured over the past few days. Official comments have not been made on the death toll.

The footage of the clashes that took place in Farsan, central Iran on Thursday was shared via social media. There were live bullets fired by riot police at the protestors. To disperse the demonstrators in Shahr-e Kord (and Hafshejan), security forces used teargas as well as clubs.

One video showed demonstrators singing “Fear Not, Fear Not, We Are in This Together” in Dezful, south.

Reuters couldn’t verify authenticity of the cited social media footage.

According to Iran’s semi-official ILNA news agency, Qasem Rezai, a senior police officer warned that illegal gatherings would be dealt with.

REVIVAL OF THE 2019 PROTESTS FEARS

Although the government admitted to protests last week, it described them only as “small gatherings.” Iranian media reports last week that “dozens” of protesters and provocateurs were arrested.

Iran’s leaders fear a revival, the bloodiest protests in Islamic Republic history. They have denied reports that there were more than 300 deaths according to Amnest International. Reuters accounts show 1,500.

Subsidies for basic goods such as cooking oil, dairy products and other items were also reduced by the government. The government described this decision as a fair redistribution of subsidies to those with lower incomes.

According to social media accounts and witnesses, however, the demands of protesters have risen to include more political freedom and an end to Islamic Republic.

On Thursday, social media video showed demonstrators burning images of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and shouting, “We don’t want the rule by the clerics” while asking for Reza Pahlavi to be returned, the exiled child of the overthrown shah.

Reza Pahlavi, in a message posted to his Twitter account (NYSE:), called for unity between Iranians and offered condolences the family of those who were killed during unrest.

Social media users in Iran claim that internet service has been cut off since last week. This is thought to be an attempt by authorities to prevent the spread of videos and organize rallies through social media. Iranian officials claimed that there was no interruption to internet access.

Official figures show that nearly half the Iranian population, which is 85 million people, lives below the poverty line. The economy has been further crippled by rising inflation, increasing unemployment, slumping in the currency, and corruption.

Donald Trump pulled Washington out the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement with six power countries. He also imposed sanctions against Iran. Since March, indirect talks between Tehran and Washington remain deadlocked.