Iran's revolutionary guard says anti-government protests are over

TEHRAN: Thousands took part in pro-government ral lies in Iran as the country's powerful Revolutionary Guard Corps declared an end to the anti-establishment unrest that left about 20 people dead over the past week.

The "sedition" has ended, the state-run Islamic Students News Agency reported, citing Guard commander Mohammad Ali Jafari. "The enemies should know that threats against Iran's defence and security no longer work." It gave no evidence to back up that claim. No new demonstrations were reported in the capital, Tehran, on Wednesday, amid a heavy police presence. Pro-government demonstrations took place in other Iranian cities.

While never viewed as an existential threat, the turmoil came at a critical time for Iran. The nuclear accord that Rouhani's government struck with world powers in 2015 as a way out of economic decline is being assailed by President Trump, who accuses Iran of using its regional military clout to support terrorism and counter US interests. European signatories have so far remained united in their support of the deal and Rouhani — but a dramatic security crack-down on protesters would have made that harder.

Hundreds of people have been detained in the clampdown on the unrest, which started on Thursday with a protest in the holy city of Mashhad against the economic policies of President Hassan Rouhani. A European national who helped to lead "rioters" in the western province of Boroujerd, is among those detained, said Hamid-Reza Abolhassani, a local judiciary official.