Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed not to yield after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to come to the aid of protesters, as rights groups reported a sharp rise in arrests following days of unrest sparked by soaring inflation.
Speaking in a recorded appearance on television on Saturday (January 3, 2026), Mr. Khamenei said the Islamic Republic “will not yield to the enemy” and said rioters should be “put in their place”. Rights groups say more than 10 people have been killed and scores detained in demonstrations that have flared across Iran since Sunday (December 28, 2025) as the collapsing rial currency hits an economy already undermined by sanctions.
Iran's protests: What we know
Authorities have attempted to maintain a dual approach to the unrest, saying protests over the economy are legitimate and will be met by dialogue, while meeting some demonstrations with tear gas amid violent street confrontations.
“The bazaaris were right. They are right to say they cannot do business in these conditions,” said Mr. Khamenei, referring to market traders’ concerns over the currency slide.
