Iran's Supreme Leader Calls for Action Against 'Rioters' Amid Ongoing Protests

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the nation on Saturday, acknowledging the economic hardships fueling recent protests and distinguishing between peaceful demonstrators and those he termed 'rioters.' He stated, 'The president and high-ranking officials are working to resolve' the country's economic difficulties, recognizing that 'shopkeepers have protested against this situation, and that is completely fair.'

However, Khamenei warned against unrest, asserting that 'rioters... must be put in their place.' His remarks come amid a week of nationwide demonstrations triggered by the rapid depreciation of the Iranian rial and soaring inflation, which have led to at least 10 fatalities.

The protests, which began on December 28, 2025, have spread to over 100 locations across 22 provinces, marking the most significant unrest since the 2022 demonstrations following Mahsa Amini's death. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that if Iran 'violently kills peaceful protesters,' the United States 'will come to their rescue.'

Iranian authorities have appointed Abdolnasser Hemmati as the new central bank governor in an effort to stabilize the economy. Despite these measures, the situation remains tense, with security forces reportedly using force to disperse demonstrators in various cities.