Iranian security forces detained hundreds protesting a sudden surge in fuel prices, signaling there would be little tolerance for unrest sweeping the sanctions-battered country.
Thousands took to the streets in several cities after authorities unexpectedly raised gasoline prices by as much as three times on Thursday. Motorists blocked highways in Tehran amid dense snowfall. Some set fire to bank branches and stores, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.
The unrest prompted Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters, to publicly back the price hikes on Sunday. Shortly afterward, parliament said it won't try to force the government to reverse them, an apparent turnaround from an earlier stance.