Dubai: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declared the Islamic Republic will not surrender to external pressure, following threats of intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump. The defiance comes as domestic unrest driven by economic instability intensifies, with reports indicating rising death tolls and hundreds of arrests.

In a recorded address broadcast on Saturday, Khamenei affirmed that authorities would engage in dialogue regarding legitimate economic grievances but warned that “rioters should be put in their place.” He acknowledged the validity of market traders’ concerns regarding the collapsing national currency and soaring inflation, stating, “The bazaaris were right.” However, he drew a sharp distinction between economic complaints and violent dissent, asserting the nation “will not yield to the enemy.”

Violence has reportedly escalated in western and southern provinces. Iranian media confirmed three deaths on Saturday, including a member of the security forces and two demonstrators in the western town of Malekshahi, following an alleged attempt to breach a police station.

Security operations have reportedly included the use of tear gas and the detention of individuals accused of manufacturing homemade weapons and petrol bombs in Tehran and surrounding areas.

Tensions were exacerbated Friday when President Trump stated the U.S. is “locked and loaded,” though he did not specify immediate military plans. This rhetoric adds pressure to a leadership already navigating a shrinking economy under heavy sanctions and conflicts involving allies in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.

While the current wave of demonstrations has not yet reached the scale of the 2022 nationwide protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, they represent the most significant domestic challenge to the Iranian government in three years.