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President Donald Trump has previously warned Iran that the US will intervene if Iranian authorities use deadly violence against peaceful protesters.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the Islamic Republic will not bow to external pressure. He declared today that "those who cause unrest must be put in their place."
His statement comes after human rights organizations report a significant increase in the number of arrests and casualties after several days of protests fueled by high inflation and the collapse of the national currency, the rial.
According to human rights groups, more than 10 people have been killed and dozens more have been detained in demonstrations that have spread to several cities in Iran. Footage shared on social media shows citizens calling on others to join the protests.
Iranian authorities have followed a dual approach, declaring that economic protests are legitimate and will be addressed through dialogue, while rallies have been dispersed with tear gas after violent clashes in the streets.
Khamenei acknowledged the economic difficulties, saying that traders have the right to complain about current conditions, but added that, in his opinion, "talking to those who cause unrest is futile."
Reports of violence have been mainly in small towns in Iran's western provinces. Authorities have said two members of the security forces have been killed and more than a dozen injured in the unrest.
The Kurdish human rights group Hengaw claims that 133 arrested people have been identified as of Friday evening, a significant increase compared to the previous day.
Tensions have also increased following statements by US President Donald Trump, who said that the US is "ready for action", without clarifying concrete steps against Iran.
The warning comes at a difficult time for Tehran, with its economy battered by sanctions, problems with water and electricity supplies, and after strategic losses in the region since the Gaza war in 2023.
The current protests are considered the largest since the mass demonstrations of 2022 following the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, although they have not yet reached the same intensity.
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