Iran supreme leader says will not yield as protests simmer and US threatens

Iran’s supreme leader said the Islamic Republic will not yield to pressure as rights groups reported a surge in arrests following protests over inflation and the collapsing rial.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting in Tehran, Iran January 3, 2026.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting in Tehran, Iran January 3, 2026.

(photo credit: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS)

ByREUTERS, TOBIAS HOLCMAN

JANUARY 4, 2026 03:51