Iran said it still faces "riots" even though the situation was calmer Monday after days of violent protests sparked by a shock decision to hike petrol prices in the sanctions-hit country.
Major roads have been blocked, banks torched and shops looted in the nationwide unrest that has left at least two dead -- a civilian and a policeman.
Footage of the violence showing masked young men on debris-strewn streets setting buildings ablaze has been aired on state television, which rarely shows any signs of dissent.
The Basij militia, whose commander Brigadier General Gholamreza Soleimani said "America's plot (had) failed", reported looting, according to semi-official news agency ISNA.
Demonstrations broke out on Friday after it was announced that the price of petrol would be raised by 50 percent for the first 60 litres and 200 percent for any extra fuel after that each month.
The authorities in the Islamic republic say they have arrested more than 200 people and restricted internet access.
The sharp hike in petrol price and rationing scheme sparks demonstrations in oil-rich Islamic Persian.
Protests erupted across Iran in recent days after an abrupt decision by authorities to hike petrol prices as part of efforts to blunt the effects of crippling US sanctions on the country's economy.
The move, announced at midnight on November 15, saw the rollout of a rationing scheme and slashing of subsidies, sending prices soaring by at least 50 percent.
The changes are aimed at raising funds for cash handouts to Iran's poorest citizens, but many Iranians already grappling with rising inflation were quick to protest against the new policy.
The plan was agreed by the Supreme Council of Economic Coordination, which is made up of President Hassan Rouhani, judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi and Speaker of Parliament Ali Larijani.
The plan was agreed by the Supreme Council of Economic Coordination, which is made up of President Hassan Rouhani, judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi and Speaker of Parliament Ali Larijani.
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