The United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran has “called on the Iranian government to immediately restore internet and mobile connectivity and end its violent crackdown of the ongoing, nationwide protest.”

In a statement on Saturday, the UN Fact-Finding Mission asked the Iranian “authorities to immediately desist from any unnecessary and disproportionate use of lethal force and adhere to international human rights law in its response to the nation’s ongoing protests.”

The UN Fact-Finding Mission said it is “alarmed by credible information indicating that the Supreme National Security Council issued a statement ordering the security forces to wage a ‘decisive’ crackdown without showing any restraint to bring the protests to an end.”

Citing credible human rights organisations, the UN Fact-Finding Mission said, “In Lorestan and Ilam provinces, home of ethnic minorities, the state response was particularly brutal, with at least eight protesters killed in Lorestan and five others in Ilam.

It added, “In one incident on 4 January, security forces allegedly raided the Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam, deploying tear gas and beating patients and medical personnel.”

The nationwide protests sparked by the economic crisis have lingered for 14 days, with at least 65 killed and over 2,000 arrested amid an internet blackout and brutal clampdown by security forces.

Amid Iran’s staggering inflation, at 42 per cent, and its currency, the rial, plummeting to an all-time low of 1.4 million rials per dollar, merchants, traders, and university students hit the streets, disrupting commercial and public activities.

American President Donald Trump on Saturday said the U.S. is ready to support Iran to get freedom amid protests sweeping through the Islamic Republic since December 28.