Iran Protests Escalate as Khamenei Orders Crackdown

Iran is facing its most serious wave of unrest in years as protests driven by economic hardship continue to spread across the country. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has taken a hard stance, saying “rioters must be put in their place,” a remark widely seen as a signal for security forces to intensify their response.

The demonstrations, sparked by the sharp fall of Iran’s currency and rising living costs, have now entered their second week. At least 10 people have been killed so far as clashes between protesters and security forces grow more violent. Despite the crackdown, protests show no clear signs of slowing.

Khamenei’s comments, broadcast on state television, attempted to draw a line between ordinary citizens upset about the economy and those he described as “rioters.” He said officials should listen to protesters but rejected any dialogue with those he accused of damaging public order. As in past unrest, he blamed foreign enemies, including the United States and Israel, for stirring up the demonstrations, though no evidence was presented.

The unrest has drawn international attention after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran that Washington would respond if peaceful protesters were violently killed. His remarks triggered angry reactions from Iranian officials, some of whom threatened retaliation against U.S. forces in the Middle East. The tension grew further after Trump claimed the U.S. had captured Venezuela’s president, a close ally of Iran.

Violence linked to the protests has also taken a new turn. In the holy city of Qom, a grenade explosion killed one man, with authorities claiming he was planning an attack. In western Iran’s Kermanshah province, a member of the Basij paramilitary force was killed in a separate gun and knife attack. Videos circulating online show fires burning in streets and heavy security presence in several cities.

According to rights groups, demonstrations have spread to more than 100 locations across 22 provinces, making this the largest protest movement since 2022, when the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody sparked nationwide anger. While the current protests have not yet reached the same intensity, slogans have moved beyond economic complaints to direct criticism of Iran’s ruling system.

President Masoud Pezeshkian’s government has tried to present a softer approach, signaling willingness to engage with public concerns. However, the rapid collapse of the rial has limited the government’s ability to ease pressure, keeping frustration high among traders, shopkeepers, and ordinary families.

The unrest comes at a sensitive time for Iran, still dealing with the fallout of last year’s conflict with Israel and continued Western sanctions. Tehran has recently said it halted uranium enrichment at all sites, hinting at openness to talks, but growing instability at home now adds another layer of uncertainty to Iran’s future.