Roughly 200 people were arrested during recent protests which started on June 30 in the southern cities of Khorramshahr and Abadan over drinking water shortages.
The number is far higher than the 10 people the judiciary media reported to be detained.
The purified-water shortage in southwestern Iran saw the staging of one of the largest water-related protests in Iran this year.
A video posted on social media displayed police firing tear gas at demonstrators, and gunfire was heard in the background.
Iran’s judiciary also confirmed the arrest of 10 protesters.
Water shortage protests have also been reported on social media in Abadan, and the provincial capital of Ahvaz.
Allegedly, the police have been using concrete barriers to block roads leading to a central square, in an attempt to quell further protests.
The resident also claimed that there were reports of police detaining demonstrators indiscriminately.
Amnesty International released a statement on July 6, calling on Iran to ensure right to safe drinking water and release peaceful protesters in Khuzestan.
The statement reads in part, “Iranian authorities must carry out an impartial and thorough investigation into reports that security forces used unnecessary and excessive force, possibly including firearms, against generally peaceful protesters during recent protests in Khuzestan province, where people have been demanding clean and safe drinking water, Amnesty International said today.