TEHRAN – The deputy for political and security affairs in Lorestan saidtwo people were killed during a protest rally in the western Iranianprovince on Saturday, adding that Takfiri groups and foreign intelligenceservices appear to have been behind the killings, Tasnim has reported.link>link>link>link>Theremarks on Sunday by Habibollah Khojastepour came a day after a group ofprotesters clashed with police and security forces in the city of Dorood inLorestan.

“In this confrontation, our goal was to end the gathering peacefully, butdue to the presence of Takfiri and hostile individuals and groups directedby foreign intelligence services, two people were unfortunately killed,” hesaid, according to Press TV.

They had gathered upon a call by “hostile groups” outside Iran which haveused European- and US-based media channels to encourage people to riot.

“During the confrontation, no bullet was fired by (Iranian) military, lawenforcement, and security forces at the people,” Khojastepour stressed.

“The footprints of hostile and Takfiri individuals and groups and foreignintelligence services are clearly visible in the turmoil in Dorood,” headded.

Since Thursday, several Iranian cities, including Tehran, have witnessedsporadic protests against recent price hikes and overall economicconditions.