Pro-government Iranians inside the country are currently holding nationwide rallies in support of the Islamic Republic, state broadcaster IRIB television reported on January 12.

At least several hundred people have died in two weeks of clashes with the Iranian government for those in support of former crown prince Reza Pahlavi who is based out of Virginia in the US. 

The pro-Islamic Republic rallies in most provinces, including Tehran, began at 2 pm local time, while some provinces started demonstrations at 9 am and 11 am, according to footage seen by bne IntelliNews.

Several officials described the nationwide demonstrations as proof of unity, securing the nation's resilience, Press TV said.

Embattled authorities have acknowledged the legitimacy of "peaceful economic grievances" and vowed to address them, while blaming foreign-backed elements (namely Israel and the US) for exploiting concerns over rising living costs and depreciation of the national currency.

Iranian authorities declared that perpetrators of the latest unrest are backed by the United States and the Israeli regime.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced support for protesters and warned Washington could attack Iran if what he called "peaceful protesters" were harmed.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has issued statements alluding to Mossad involvement and separatist plots.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed on January 10 that the state "will not back down against vandals," urging unity and stating that a united nation can overcome any enemy.

The counter-demonstrations came as protests that began on December 29 following the rial's collapse entered their third week.

President Masoud Pezeshkian called on January 11 for loyalist citizens to take to the streets to oppose the unrest.

During his first public appearance in several days, following economic protests that reportedly resulted in over 2,000 deaths, according to foreign-based organisations, he reaffirmed the government's stance. He stated that the protests were taken over by foreign-backed agents after local bazaar merchants initiated the initial street demonstrations.

"We call on the Iranian people to go to the squares to make a decision and not allow riots to distort their demands," Pezeshkian said.

He stated that "Iranian society does not accept those who set fire to mosques."

The president added that foreign infiltrators had infiltrated the protests and were “cutting throats” of those in the crowds. He also expressed condolences over civilian deaths and warned youth against terrorism and participation in riots.

"We officially recognise peaceful protests and consider dialogue with protesters our duty. We are ready to meet with all protesting parties inside the country," he said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi claimed the protests have come under total control and vowed that security forces will hunt down those responsible.