Iranian authorities should refrain from using military weapons to disperse demonstrations in the country and restore access to the Internet, said the official representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Office, Rupert Colville.

There have been protests in several Iranian cities caused by the decision of the country's authorities to increase gas prices. Some of them, local media reported, went peacefully, and some grew into riots.

According to the office, at least a thousand people killed from Friday to Monday during the demonstrations in eight regions of the country. However, there is no official confirmation, as there is no UN human rights office in the country, and the lack of the Internet complicates monitoring, the UN said.

The Iranian media reported on one dead participant in the protests and three law enforcement officers. Iranian authorities have repeatedly stated that they recognize the right of citizens to express opinions and protests and look forward to working with the political forces of the country, as well as religious figures to resolve, warning that foreign forces can abuse the situation.