Protesters on the streets of Iran this week chanted “Death to Khamenei” and “Death to inflation”, mimicking the “Death to America” refrain popularised after the 1979 Islamic revolution.

In the past when things were going badly in the country, Tehran’s leaders blamed outside forces and its citizens largely believed them. “The Great Satan” was responsible for just about every problem plaguing its people.

But this time it was different.

“Iran is trying to say Trump is behind all our miseries, but it is only the House of Khamenei (the supreme leader) that is to blame,” said Murad, a 45-year-old electrician and father of three.

"People look at some of the majestic houses and villas and the lifestyle of a minority at the top and wonder how on earth they have managed to have this when the majority are so poor,” Murad, from a working class neighbourhood of the capital Tehran, told The Telegraph.

The value of the rial has dropped by 50 per cent since the start of the year, while food prices have doubled. The elite drive imported luxury cars and invest their wealth in gold when times get tough, while those at the bottom struggle to afford the basics.