Iranian Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaimpanah said President Masoud Pezeshkian instructed security forces not to intervene against protesters over rising living costs, warning that repression could harm national security. Ghaimpanah said peaceful protesters must be distinguished from “rioters” who attack security facilities. He added that detainees would be treated with “Islamic compassion” if not linked to violence or foreign actors. Protests have spread across Iran amid soaring inflation and sharp currency depreciation.