State media claimed Sunday that Iran would pardon or reduce the sentences of a significant number of inmates as part of an annual amnesty, although it is unclear how this will apply to protesters jailed recently.

(CNN) ⸻ Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has approved a proposal to "pardon or commute" the sentences of thousands of prisoners, state media reports. Amnesty does not apply to those sentenced or facing charges of "espionage for outsiders, direct links with the foreign intelligence services, murder or intentional injuries, as well as vandalism or arson attack on governmental, military and public sites".