Iran's embattled regime hit by protests over water shortage, Khamenei admits 'not a minor issue'

Iran’s authoritarian regime is facing fresh pressure from Iranian protesters over a drought in the southwest of the country -- with protesters chanting anti-government slogans just as the regime is installing a hardline president.

It blamed "rioters and armed militants disguised among protesters" for the violence but the regime has also acknowledged the anger over the drought. "People showed their discontent, but we cannot have any complaint since the issue of water in the hot climate of Khuzestan is not a minor issue," Khamenei said, although he too accused opponents of trying to exploit the situation..