(CNN) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has claimed victory over the ongoing unrest in the country, state media reported Wednesday, six days after nationwide protests erupted following an abrupt spike in gas prices.

Speaking at a government meeting in Tehran, Rouhani said the country had been "victorious out of yet another test" and that "despite the country's economic problems and existing grievances," Iran had demonstrated it "would never allow the balance to tilt in favor of the enemy," according to state broadcaster Press TV.

Iran's government has blamed foreign enemies for the recent unrest -- the severity of which remains unclear because a near-total internet shutdown has halted the flow of information out of the country.

Update: 90 hours after #Iran implemented a near-total internet shutdown, connectivity continues to flatline at just 5% of ordinary levels 📉



Iranians deserve access to the outside world like everyone else #Internet4Iran #IranProtests



📰https://t.co/1Al0DT8an1 pic.twitter.com/32QZ9Vhbol — NetBlocks.org (@netblocks) November 20, 2019

What's happening?

Demonstrators first hit the streets on Friday, a day after the government announced an eye-watering hike in fuel prices by as much as 300%. Iran's economy has already been crippled by US sanctions, which saw its currency tank, prices soar, and medical and food shortages grow widespread. The fuel hike could further exacerbate economic conditions, forcing greater price increases.

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