DUBAI: Demonstrations against the Tehran government on Monday spread across Iran's vital energy sector, threatening the long-term existence of the country's clerical rulers.

Iranian oil refinery workers from the Abadan, Kangan and Bushehr petrochemical plants joined the nationwide demonstrations. On the Gulf Coast in Asluyeh, video footage posted online showed dozens of workers shouting "death to the dictator" and blocking a road leading to the Bushehr plant.

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The demonstrations began more than three weeks ago after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini of Iran's Kurdistan province, who was detained and beaten up for wearing a hijab "inadequately" while she was being treated by ethics police. was in custody.

Young women and college students have so far led the demonstrations, but analysts said the support of those in the energy sector was a worrying sign for Iran's ruling mullahs.

Karim Sajjadpour, an analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, warned that a prolonged strike by energy workers combined with US sanctions on Iran's oil exports could bring the Islamic republic to its knees.

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According to him, Iran's dependence on oil as a percentage of GDP has decreased since 1978, but energy exports are essential to the country's economy.

Iranian security forces continued to block demonstrations on Monday.
At least 185 people, including 19 children, have been killed, hundreds injured and thousands detained, according to rights organizations.

Social media videos of Monday's protests in dozens of Iranian cities showed violent clashes between protesters and riot police in Kurdistan province, where at least five people have been killed and more than 150 injured in protests since Saturday.

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In the Kurdish cities of Sanandaj, Sakez, and Diwandareh, armed security forces were heavily present and often used ammunition, clubs, and tear gas.

In one video, several explosions were seen flashing indiscriminately in the neighborhood of Sanandaj, the capital of Kurdistan.