Iran to try risky economic concessions as it attempts to quell protesters’ anger

President wants to placate demonstrators calling for political change, action on corruption and help with cost of living

The Iranian government is attempting risky economic concessions as it tries to meet the escalating demands of protesters seeking fundamental political change, a clampdown on corruption and an easing of the squeeze on living standards of the poor.

Now entering their ninth day, the protests have spread to 27 of Iran's 31 provinces, with a human rights group claiming that the death toll has passed 35 with more than 1,200 arrested.