Khamenei orders crackdown on 'rioters' as Trump threatens action

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, TURKEY — JAN. 3, 2026

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has broken his silence on the week-long unrest sweeping the country, ordering security forces to take decisive action against "rioters." The directive comes just hours after US President Donald Trump threatened military intervention if peaceful protesters are killed.

Speaking for the first time since the demonstrations began seven days ago, Khamenei drew a sharp distinction between economic grievances and anti-regime sentiment. While acknowledging the financial struggles of the public, he signaled that the window for tolerance has closed.

'No negotiation with rioters'

The 86-year-old leader, who holds the final say on all strategic matters in the Islamic Republic, validated the initial spark of the protests but condemned their evolution into political unrest.

"Protests by bazaar merchants due to the devaluation of the national currency and unstable exchange rates are justified," Khamenei stated. "However, rioters must be put in their place."

Attributing the unrest to "domestic and foreign enemies," Khamenei asserted that President Masoud Pezeshkian and top officials are working to solve the economic crisis. However, he emphasized that "negotiation with rioters is meaningless," effectively shutting down earlier government narratives that promised dialogue with demonstrators.

Trump: 'Locked and loaded'

Khamenei’s call for a crackdown followed a direct threat from the United States. On Friday, President Donald Trump warned Tehran against using lethal force on its citizens.

"If the Iranian regime opens fire on peaceful protesters, the US will come to their aid," Trump said, adding, "We are locked and loaded and ready to act."

Tensions are further heightened by reports from Israeli intelligence. The Mossad had previously stated that they are "supporting the protesters on the ground," adding an external dimension to the internal crisis.

Rising death toll

The protests, which erupted last Sunday in Tehran over the collapsing rial and soaring cost of living, have rapidly spread across the country. Reports indicate that security forces have already used live ammunition in several cities.

According to local sources, at least eight people—including seven demonstrators and one member of the paramilitary Basij force—have been killed in clashes over the past week.

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