Thirteen people killed in anti-government protests in Iran.

Clashes at anti-government protests in Iran have left 13 people dead, including a police officer, since they erupted last weekend.

Iranian protesters clash with police at Iran University in Tehran, December 30, 2017. Photo: AFP.

"A troublemaker, taking advantage of the situation, used a hunting rifle to shoot at law enforcement officers, killing one police officer and injuring three others," Iranian state television reported. The incident occurred on January 1 in the central Iranian town of Najafabad.

According to AFP, 13 people have died since protests against Iran's government and foreign policy began in the region on December 28. The protesters are dissatisfied with the country's struggling economy and corruption. They also chanted slogans in support of political prisoners.

Iran increased its police presence in the capital Tehran as small groups of protesters marched through the city center on the evening of January 1st. Several protesters were arrested.

Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, claimed the violence was sparked by social media. "Hashtags and messages about the situation in Iran were sent from the US, the UK, and Saudi Arabia," he said. "What's happening on social media regarding the situation in Iran is a proxy war against the Iranian people."

Iran's Revolutionary Guard released wanted posters for three people and urged citizens to report any "elements of rebellion."

According to VNE