WASHINGTON — The United States has extended its support to Iranians who are protesting over acute water shortage and other facilities, condemning Tehran's use of violence against protesters.

In a statement on Wednesday, the US Department of State said: "We condemn the use of violence against peaceful protesters. We support the rights of Iranians to peacefully assemble and express themselves, without fear of violence and detention by security forces. We are also monitoring reports of internet slowdowns in the region.

The protests in Iran that began with a water shortage — owing to drought and governmental mismanagement and neglect — in the Khuzestan province have now spread across various cities, including Tehran, Karaj and Tabriz, the US Department of State said in the statement.

"The Iranian people are now putting a spotlight not only on their unmet needs but also their unfulfilled aspirations for respect for human rights — rights to which individuals the world over are entitled," the statement read.

"The Iranian people have a right to voice their frustrations and hold their government accountable, but we have seen disturbing reports that security forces fired on protesters, resulting in multiple deaths," the statement added.

The US also urged the Iranian government to allow its citizens to exercise their right to freedom of expression and to freely access information, including via the Internet.