Why are protests happening in Iran

The supreme leader of Iran has accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating protests in Tehran and other cities following the death of a young woman who had been detained by the nation's morality police.

In his first public comments on the unrest, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, had "left us heartbroken".

The protests are the biggest challenge to his rule for a decade, and he urged security forces to be ready for more.

The US said it was "appalled" by the violent response to the protests.
Social media is playing a key role in these demonstrations which are happening across the country.

The protests are the biggest challenge to his rule for a decade, and he urged security forces to be ready for more.

The US said it was "appalled" by the violent response to the protests.
Social media is playing a key role in these demonstrations which are happening across the country.