Anti-government protests erupted in Tehran on Thursday, as Iranians angered by a flailing economy and crackdowns by security forces marched through the streets of the capital and shouted slogans against the ruling theocratic regime.

Iran has insisted for decades that its nuclear program is peaceful. However, its officials have increasingly threatened to pursue a nuclear weapon. Iran had been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels prior to the U.S. attack in June, making it the only country in the world without a nuclear weapons program to do so.

Rallies on major roads in the capital and in Iran's second city were peaceful and not dispersed by security forces.

Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday that “any violent or coercive behavior should be avoided” in handling the protests and called on his website for the “utmost restraint” in addition to “dialogue, engagement and listening to the people’s demands.”

At least 29 protesters have been killed and more than 1,200 people have been detained in nine days of anti-government protests in Iran, according to activits.

Semi-official Iranian media say two police were killed in a western town, as videos show security forces firing guns and tear gas at crowds elsewhere.