Iran’s Supreme Leader vows no concessions amid nationwide protests

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addressed the nation amid continuing protests, which state television described as “terrorist actions.”

Khamenei reaffirmed that the Islamic Republic will not yield to domestic dissent or tolerate what he called efforts on behalf of foreign powers, Caliber.Az reports, citing the X social media platform of Iran International TV channel.

#BREAKING: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Friday that the Islamic Republic would not back down in the face of protests and would not tolerate what he described as work on behalf of foreign powers, according to remarks aired on state television.

“Everyone should know…

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) January 9, 2026

“Everyone should know that the Islamic Republic will not retreat,” Khamenei said. “It will not tolerate serving foreigners.”

He added that anyone working for outside forces would be rejected by both the people and the Islamic system, according to state media reports.

Khamenei’s remarks come amid sustained demonstrations across the country, which authorities frequently describe as influenced by foreign interference.

In a pointed critique, Khamenei also targeted the United States over the unrest.

“Everyone should know that the Islamic Republic came to power with the blood of hundreds of thousands of honorable people, and it will not back down in the face of saboteurs,” Khamenei said.

Referring to unrest in the capital, he said protesters were acting to please the US president. “They want to make him happy. If he knew how to run a country, he would run his own,” he said, adding that there were many problems inside the United States.

State TV also quoted him as saying “the hands of the US president are stained with the blood of more than 1,000 Iranians.”

His remarks referred to June attacks by the United States on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Khamenei also urged supporters to remain united. “Dear young people, keep your readiness and your unity. A united nation will overcome any enemy,” he said.

By Vafa Guliyeva