IRAN ERUPTS

Trump threat to 'come out shooting' if rulers fire on their people

- BY JOHN FERGUSON

PROTESTS sweeping across Iran intensified yesterday with cars and buildings set ablaze and reports of 65 demonstrators dead and hospitals overwhelmed.

The country's government has ramped up its crackdown on the revolt which was sparked by the collapse of the Islamic Republic's currency last month.

With the internet down and phone lines cut off, more than 2300 people have been detained, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Iranian state TV is reporting on security force casualties while portraying control over the nation.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signalled a coming clampdown, despite warnings from America.