Iran protests intensify as Khamenei poster torn down in Tehran, Kashan

Iranian protests across several cities intensified on Satuday as new videos posted on social media showed demonstrators in the cities of Tehran and Kashan tore down posters depicting the country's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Demonstrators expressed their rejection of corruption and repression, calling for “dictator” Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to stand down as protests across several of Iran's provinces continued for a third consecutive day.

Economic protests first erupted on Thursday, sparked by social media posts and a surge in prices of basic food supplies, like eggs and poultry.

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Thousands went into the streets in several cities in Iran, beginning first in Mashhad, the country's second-largest city and a holy site for Shiite pilgrims. Demonstrators also have criticized Iran's government during the protests. There have been arrests reported in some areas.

The rallies quickly spread to the cities of Tehran, Isfahan, Ahwaz and Rasht. Protesters called for Khamenei to exit power, chanting slogans such as “death to the dictator” and “our rights under the cloak of the mullahs. "

These new protests put new pressure on President Hassan Rouhani as his signature nuclear deal with world powers remains in peril and many say they've yet to see any economic benefit from the accord.

Protesters have also expressed concern about the Islamic Republic's costly involvement in regional conflicts such as those in Syria and Iraq, as well as a costly missile program despite 40 percent of the country living under the poverty line.