White House called Iran’s leadership to respect its citizens’ right to demonstrate.

:: The White House on Tuesday called for Iran’s leadership to respect its citizens’ right to demonstrate after a sixth day of protests that brought riot police out in force in several cities.

“The United States supports the Iranian people and calls on the regime to respect its citizens’ basic rights to peacefully express their desire for change,” White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters.

Meanwhile in New York UN Ambassador Nikki Haley praised the courage of Iranian demonstrators and said protests across the country were spontaneous, not driven by outside forces.

After she read out social media posts written by Iranians in support of the protests, Haley dismissed Iranian leaders’ contention that the protests were designed by Iran’s enemies.

“We all know that’s complete nonsense,” she said. “The demonstrations are completely spontaneous. They are virtually in every city in Iran. This is the precise picture of a long oppressed peoples rising up against their dictators.”