In Iran, anti-government demonstrations, which began in Mashhad city on Thursday against rising prices have now spread to several major cities. Large numbers reportedly turned out in Rasht, in the north, and Kermanshah, in the west, with smaller protests in Isfahan, Hamadan and elsewhere. <br/><br/>An official said 52 people were arrested in Mashhad city. Head of Mashhad's revolutionary court, Hossein Heidari, said people were arrested for chanting 'harsh slogans', the Fars news agency reported.<br/><br/>Eshaq Jahangiri, Iran's first Vice President acknowledged that there is an increase in the prices of some products, but said the government is working on fixing the causes of the high prices..<br/><br/>Meanwhile, the United States has strongly condemned the arrest of peaceful protesters in Iran.The State Department in a statement urged all nations to publicly support the Iranian people and their demands for basic rights and an end to corruption.