The former president of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been arrested for inciting unrest against the government, it was reported.

The ex-leader was apprehended during a visit to the western city of Busehehr on December 28, according to Al-Quds Al-Arabi.

The newspaper reported that Ahmadinejad said: 'Some of the current leaders live detached from the problems and concerns of the people, and do not know anything about the reality of society.'

It is also claimed he said Iran was suffering 'mismanagement' and that President Hassan Rouhani's government 'believes that they own the land and that the people are an ignorant society'.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (right, with current president Hassan Rouhani in 2013) was apprehended during a visit to the western city of Busehehr on December 28, according to Al-Quds Al-Arabi

It is also claimed the former president said Iran was suffering 'mismanagement' and that President Hassan Rouhani's government'

It comes after more than a week of unrest in Iran, as demonstrators took to the streets to protest against the government.

The unrest was sparked by a hike in food prices amid soaring unemployment

At least 21 people have been killed, and hundreds have been arrested.

Pro-government rallies were held in response with officials blaming the anti-government unrest on foreign meddling.

It comes after more than a week of unrest in Iran, as demonstrators took to the streets to protest against the government. Pictured: Pro-government forces march in the city of Ahvaz

A pro-government demonstration marches through Qom on Wednesday amid deadly unrest in the country

Pro-government rallies were held in response with officials blaming the anti-government unrest on foreign meddling.

Authorities are now said to be seeking to place Ahmadinejad under house arrest.

Today, the Iranian parliament held a closed-door meeting to discuss the deadly protests that shook the country.

In December, Ahmadinejad's former deputy Hamid Baghaie was sentenced to 15 years in prison on financial charges.

Ahmadinejad's former deputy Hamid Baghaie (left) was sentenced to 15 years in prison on financial charges

Among his charges was reportedly 'insulting judiciary officials' for which he was sentenced to two years and six months in prison.

He was imprisoned for seven months in 2015 for reasons that were never made public, though he was previously investigated for irregularities during his time in office.