According to reports, some statues also displayed images of foreign leaders and symbols linked to Western countries, highlighting the strong political message behind the demonstration.

“Commitments need to be honored. Equal standing, mutual respect and mutual interest are not rhetoric – they are a must and the pillars of a durable agreement

Iranian media reported that more than one million litres of smuggled fuel were recovered from the two ships.

Tensions are increasing between the US and Iran.

Senator Ted Cruz is known for his hardline stance on Iran.

Oil prices are surging as US President Donald Trump has continued to put pressure on Iran to abandon its nuclear program through military threats and as a US naval fleet has entered the region.

The move comes amid heightened regional tensions, following the arrival of US military assets in the Middle East.

"Iran’s Supreme Leader is now 86 years old and reportedly unwell"

Netanyahu spoke to President Trump on Thursday, the same day the US president publicly suggested that Tehran had eased its internal crackdown and halted executions.

Responding to a journalist's question in the Oval Office about whether US military action was “now off the table,” Trump said, “We’re going to watch it and see what the process is.”

Iranian officials have been insisting that control of the country had been regained after several nights of widespread protests.

A batch of Pakistani students also arrived at the border in buses and entered Pakistan from Iran on Sunday night, while the pilgrims arrived on Monday afternoon.

But, as Trump added, “we may have to act before a meeting."

Tehran, a hot and dry city located on the southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains, is facing one of its worst droughts in decades.

Authorities report that 19 major dams in Iran are now at less than 5 % capacity.