Hassan Rouhani, Iran’s president, has called for unity as the death toll from the biggest anti-government protests in almost a decade reached at least 15.

After protesters defied a heavy police presence and took to the streets again on Sunday night, Mr Rouhani urged Iran’s political and military forces to speak with “one voice” to ensure the “[survival of] the political system, national interest and stability of our country and the region”.

Speaking on state television with members of parliament yesterday, following the worst unrest in Iran since the 2009 pro-democracy demonstrations, Mr Rouhani condemned violent protests. However, he recognised people’s right to attend peaceful rallies and added: “Our great nation has seen such incidents a lot before and will easily pass by them.”