Anti-government protests escalate during Iranian fire festival.

Anti-government protests erupted in several Iranian cities during the annual Chaharshanbe Suri festival, with people using the occasion to chant anti-government slogans and criticise the regime. The festival has Zoroastrian roots and is discouraged by the government. The protests have particular significance this year as the Islamic Republic has faced one of its greatest challenges since it came to power in 1979. The government has faced criticism for its crackdown on protests, which has led to the death of more than 500 people and the arrest of nearly 20,000.