Alpha News

Iran's Khamenei Warns 'The Islamic Republic Will Not Back Down'

Published January 9, 2026, 14:23

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned today that the country 'will not back down' in the face of protesters, whom he labeled 'saboteurs' and 'vandals'. This warning comes amid ongoing protests in Iran, which have been continuing for 13 days, focusing on the economic situation. Khamenei accused US President Donald Trump of inciting the protests and warned that he would be 'overthrown'. Simultaneously, Iran is experiencing internet disruptions, in an attempt to suppress the protest movement. The demonstrations are the largest to erupt in Iran since those following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. Deaths and arrests have been reported, while authorities state they will address the protests through dialogue, but also with tear gas when necessary.