Iran’s top leader emphasized on Saturday the need to control “rioters” following a series of protests that have unsettled the nation, likely authorizing security forces to harshly suppress the demonstrations. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s remarks came after violent incidents related to protests triggered by Iran’s struggling economy resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals. The unrest persists, with U.S. President Donald Trump cautioning Iran that the U.S. would intervene if Tehran uses force against peaceful protesters.
The Iranian protests, the largest since 2022, when the death of Mahsa Amini triggered widespread demonstrations, have not reached the same scale as those following Amini’s death due to her defiance of wearing a hijab. Khamenei addressed the concerns of protesters regarding the economic issues separate from the actions of what he termed as “rioters.”
Blaming foreign influences for the protests, Khamenei alleged that external forces were instigating demonstrators against the Iranian government without presenting any evidence. The paramilitary Iranian Revolutionary Guards, including the Basij force, have a history of forcefully quelling protests under Khamenei’s command.
While some officials advocate for dialogue with protesters, a more forceful response is supported by hardliners within Iran. Previous protests have often resulted in violent crackdowns, with hundreds killed and thousands detained. According to the Eurasia Group, Iran lacks organized opposition, and protests are likely spontaneous. The regime is expected to suppress dissent without losing control.
Recent protests have spread to over 100 locations in nearly two-thirds of Iran’s provinces, driven by economic grievances. Despite Iran’s efforts to signal openness to negotiations over its nuclear program by halting uranium enrichment, talks with the West have yet to materialize amid warnings from Trump and Netanyahu against reactivating the program.