United Nations: The US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has praised the courage of Iranian demonstrators, saying they were spontaneous, not driven by outside forces.

After she read out social media posts written by Iranians in support of the protests, Haley on Tuesday dismissed Iranian leaders' contention that the protests were designed by Iran's enemies.

"We all know that's complete nonsense," she said. "The demonstrations are completely spontaneous. They are virtually in every city in Iran. This is the precise picture of a long oppressed peoples rising up against their dictators."

Her comments come after as the death toll from anti-government demonstrations rises to 21.