Protesters in Iran have taken control of two cities in the west of the country

Iranian protesters have effectively seized the towns of Abdanan and Malekshahi in Ilam province, continuing mass demonstrations amid economic and political discontent. This was reported on January 6 by Fox News with reference to representatives of the National Council of Resistance of Iran.

"An important event took place today in two cities in western Iran, which actually came under the control of the protesters," Ali Safavi said in an interview with Fox News.

The protests were accompanied by increased security measures, including tear gas and pneumatic weapons, as well as the intervention of security forces in hospitals.

Real protest: Iranians demand from the authorities to stabilize the national currency

The situation in the country is far from the "point of no return," but experts urge Tehran not to relax.

Earlier, on January 5, it was reported that Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei had developed an evacuation plan from Tehran in case the authorities failed to quell the protests. The plan calls for Khamenei to leave with his immediate entourage and family members, while the escape route may pass through Moscow. It was also reported that the Ayatollah rarely appears in public after last year's war with Israel.

A day earlier, on January 4, it was noted that the United States is monitoring the situation and warns of a possible "harsh response" in case of casualties.

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