Iran has accused the US of trying to destabilise its leadership as Tehran seeks to deflect criticism of its deadly crackdown on demonstrators across the country.

As the death toll among protesters rose to at least 75, according to a rights group, Iran’s foreign ministry claimed Washington was trying to “weaken” the country by imposing sanctions on its morality police.

The force, which enforces Iran’s interpretation of Islamic law, allegedly beat a woman to death because she was not correctly wearing a hijab. The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini has led to huge demonstrations against the regime in dozens of cities.

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