In an interview with France 24 released on Wednesday, Abbas-Ali Kadkhodaei underlined the need for making a distinction between people legitimately protesting over “issues related to livelihood and the economy” and terrorists and saboteurs.

“We have to be able to separate those who were protesting for their livelihood — they have to be honored, we must listen to their concerns and see what their problems are — and those who committed terrorist acts and sabotage,” he said.

The official also stressed that during last month’s unrest, security forces took action against “disturbances.”

Iran “has always listened with open ears to peaceful protesters; the authorities must respond to the people’s rightful demands,” he said. “But naturally, when there are disturbances — vandalism, attacks against government centers and the destruction of people’s property — it is the duty of security forces and police to take action, and naturally during these operations, …incidents can happen.”

Kadkhodaei further noted that the analysis of the events in Iran from abroad “is not always the correct.”

He further defended the nationwide internet shutdown during the protests and said, “If there’s a road or a freeway and terrorists come and do something, what’s the first thing you will do to the freeway? You will shut it down.”

In mid-November, the Iranian government raised gasoline prices in order to moderate the national consumption rate.

The move prompted protests in a number of cities that went largely peaceful, but turned violent when some took advantage of the situation to vandalize public and state property, and attack civilians and security forces alike.

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“Given negotiations (held between) lawmakers and the current situation of the country, the impeachment of oil minister in no longer on the agenda,” said Jalal Mirzaei, a member of the Iranian parliament’s energy committee, in an interview with  IRNA agency.

The lawmaker said Zanganeh had attended two rounds of inquiry in the energy committee to respond to questions of the lawmakers regarding the fuel price hike.

The government’s decision to abruptly increase the price of gasoline on November 15 caused an unprecedented wave of protests across Iran.

Some lawmakers in the parliament blamed the oil ministry for the crisis, saying authorities should have consulted the parliament before increasing the prices.

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According To Iran News, The Supreme Council of Economic Coordination said Sat. that the government apparatuses will fully cooperate in implementing fuel consumption management, adding that the needy will be paid monthly on a regular basis.

Late on Wednesday, the Iranian government announced that it had started a plan to manage the rising gasoline consumption in the country and increased the price of gasoline by 50% from 10,000 to 15,000 rials and vowed that the revenues from the price hikes would go to 18 million families or about 60 million Iranians.

On Saturday afternoon, the Supreme Council of Economic Coordination convened with heads of the judicial, legislative and executive branches and other members in attendance to discuss the plan.

According to the official website of the Iranian Presidency ‘President.ir’, during today’s session of the top economic council, Minister of Interior Rahmani Fazli presented a report on the fuel consumption management as well as the economic aid to lower-income classes.

Heads of the three branches also appreciated the work and services of Rahmani Fazli.

It was also discussed that all governmental bodies will fully cooperate in implementing fuel consumption management and helping lower-income classes.

Promoting social justice, empowering 60 million Iranians with a focus on lower-income families, combatting fuel trafficking, consumption management and strengthening the economy are among the goals of the program.

The Deputy Judiciary Chief and the Prosecutor General emphasized at the meeting that the Judiciary will fully cooperate in implementing the program.

The Speaker of the Parliament called for the participation of all apparatuses in the successful implementation of the plan, referring to the Sixth Development Plan Act and the directive of the heads of branches.

Furthermore, at the meeting, it was also emphasized that with regard to the provision of resources, the aids would be paid regularly every month, so that payments would start next week.

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