Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a stark warning amid a week of escalating protests across the country. In his first public remarks since demonstrations erupted over Iran’s deteriorating economy, Khamenei said, and I quote, “Rioters must be put in their place.”
This hardline stance signals that Iran’s security forces have been given the green light to intensify their crackdown on dissenters. According to human rights activists, at least 15 people have died in the unrest, which shows no signs of abating.
The protests, triggered by the sharp collapse of Iran’s currency and widespread economic hardship, have been met with a violent response from security forces. Khamenei distinguished between what he called “legitimate protesters” and “rioters,” urging officials to engage with the former but warning that talks with the latter are “useless.” He also accused foreign enemies — specifically the United States and Israel — of fomenting unrest inside Iran, blaming them for the turmoil and the currency’s collapse.
The leader’s comments come just a day after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that if Tehran violently suppresses peaceful protesters, the United States “will come to their rescue.” While it remains uncertain whether the U.S. will intervene, Iran’s officials swiftly responded with threats to target American military forces in the Middle East.
Violence has escalated dramatically. Overnight, a grenade exploded in the city of Qom, killing a man whom authorities say was attempting to attack civilians, though independent verification is lacking. Meanwhile, a member of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force was killed during clashes in western Iran’s Kermanshah province.
Protests have now spread to more than 170 locations across 25 of Iran’s 31 provinces, with reports of hundreds of arrests. Demonstrators continue to challenge both the economic hardships and the theocratic rule, chanting slogans against the regime in the streets.
Iran’s economy remains fragile. Inflation soars and the rial has plummeted in value, exacerbating public discontent. The government has attempted to attribute the crisis to foreign sabotage, but many Iranians remain focused on domestic grievances.
Despite attempts by some officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, to engage in dialogue with protest leaders, hardline factions within the government appear determined to maintain a firm grip on power through force.
The international community watches closely as Iran faces its most serious unrest since the 2022 protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody — a tragedy that drew global condemnation.
Iran issues new warning to Trump
We will continue to follow this developing story and bring you updates as more information becomes available.
For now, that’s the latest from Iran.
Reporting by Carl Montel.
