Iran's Khamenei Says Rioters 'Must Be Put In Their Place' Amid Widespread Economic Protests

Last Updated:January 03, 2026, 20:28 IST

The demonstrations, which began last Sunday, have now spread to more than two dozen cities.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (File image: AFP)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday acknowledged the economic concerns of protesters across the country, while issuing a stark warning that there would be no tolerance for what he called “rioters."

The demonstrations, which began last Sunday as an expression of discontent over high prices and economic stagnation, have now spread to more than two dozen cities.

Speaking on the occasion of a Shiite holiday, Khamenei said that the president and other senior officials were working to address the economic difficulties caused by international sanctions. “The shopkeepers have protested against this situation and that is completely fair," he said, recognising the legitimacy of the initial economic demands.

At the same time, Khamenei made it clear that violence would not be tolerated. “Authorities must have dialogue with protesters, it is useless to have dialogue with rioters. Those must be put in their place," he warned.

Official figures report that at least eight people have been killed since the protests began, including members of Iran’s security forces. On Saturday, the Mehr news agency reported that Ali Azizi, a member of the Basij paramilitary force, was killed during a demonstration in Harsin after being stabbed and shot.

Tasnim news also reported the death of a man in the holy city of Qom on Friday when a grenade he was carrying exploded.

The protests, initially sparked by shopkeepers striking over poor economic conditions in Tehran, have now spread to smaller cities, especially in western and southwestern Iran.

Demonstrations have involved university students and other citizens, and in some places clashes with authorities and acts of vandalism have been reported.

While authorities have indicated willingness to discuss economic concerns, they have repeatedly warned that attempts to destabilise the country will not be allowed. Though significant, the current protests are smaller than the nationwide unrest in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini, and the 2019 demonstrations over fuel price hikes, which led to hundreds of deaths.

(With inputs from agencies)

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