"The protests were the largest since a wave of demonstrations rocked the country after Mahsa Amini, 22, died in police custody following her arrest for not wearing the hijab correctly. At the time, Iranian police responded with force, imposing an internet shutdown and violently cracking down on demonstrations with teargas and gunfire.

Analysts say the Iranian government has reduced its domestic repression since the 12-day war with Israel during the summer, as it seeks to shore up support after suffering significant blows to its image as an impregnable regime.

The "morality police", for example, have at times relaxed the strict application of social edicts in Tehran."

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"The erosion of purchasing power is exacerbating an already dire economic situation in Iran, making food and other daily needs increasingly unaffordable.

According to Iran's government statistics centre, food prices are up 72% and medical goods 50% compared with this time last year. At the same time, the government has said it will increase taxes in the Iranian new year, which starts on 21 March."