In a significant and defiant address, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei broke his silence on Saturday, January 3, 2026, regarding the nationwide protests that have gripped the Islamic Republic for over a week.
Speaking to an audience in Tehran, the 86-year-old leader signaled a looming crackdown, distinguishing between citizens with legitimate economic grievances and those he labeled as “rioters.”
“Put in Their Place”: Khamenei’s Stern Warning
Khamenei’s remarks served as a direct response to the escalating unrest fueled by a collapsing national currency and a soaring cost of living. While acknowledging that shopkeepers and “bazaaris” have a right to be frustrated by the economy, he drew a hard line against the demonstrations turning political.
“We talk to protesters; the officials must talk to them. But there is no benefit to talking to rioters. Rioters must be put in their place.” — Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
The “Trump Factor” and Geopolitical Tensions
The Supreme Leader’s defiance follows a series of provocative statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who on Friday warned that the U.S. is “locked and loaded” to intervene if Tehran uses lethal force.
- Trump’s Promise: Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. would “come to the rescue” of peaceful protesters if the regime “violently kills” them.
- Khamenei’s Rebuttal: Khamenei dismissed Trump’s comments as “deception” and “empty promises,” accusing the U.S. of stoking the “unnatural” fall of the Iranian rial.
- Maduro Connection: The exchange takes on added weight following the U.S. military’s capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro—a key Iranian ally—just hours earlier.
Escalating Violence and Death Toll
As of Sunday, January 4, 2026, the death toll from the “Winter Uprising” has reached at least 15 people, according to human rights monitoring groups.
- Qom Grenade Blast: A man was killed in the holy city of Qom after a grenade he was reportedly carrying exploded. Security officials claim he intended to use it in an attack.
- Harsin Attack: In Kermanshah province, a member of the Basij paramilitary force was killed in a knife and gun attack.
- Economic Backdrop: The protests were triggered when the Iranian Rial hit a record low of 1.45 million to the US dollar on December 31, 2025, leading to food inflation exceeding 70%.