The payments are the latest step to alleviate economic pressures, but given the severity of the crisis, critics say, they are likely to do little.

Nine days of anti-government protests engulf Iran as Trump warns of consequences. Iranian-Americans praise president's support for demonstrators.

Iran's efforts to quell a wave of anti-government protests have been complicated by Donald Trump's threat to intervene on their side, a warning firmly underlined by the subsequent U.S. capture of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro,

Tehran also increasingly cut back its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog, as tensions increased over its nuclear program in recent years. The IAEA’s director-general has warned Iran could build as many as 10 nuclear bombs, should it decide to weaponize its program.

Iran is experiencing a countrywide shutdown triggered by intensifying protests and a deepening political and economic crisis. This government-ordered shutdown has impacted businesses, educational institutions,

The spreading unrest, sparked by economic protests by Tehran shopkeepers, adds to a list of pressures on the regime.

On Friday, Trump warned that if Iran kills peaceful protesters, "the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go."

Experts say US military action in Caracas ‘gives momentum’ for conflict with Tehran and deals another blow to diplomacy.

Nationwide protests over soaring prices and a collapsing currency turn deadly in Iran, with at least seven killed as unrest spreads to multiple cities.