Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed not to yield in the face of growing domestic unrest, after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to support protesters amid escalating demonstrations driven by economic hardship.

Khamenei’s comments come as rights groups report a sharp rise in arrests across Iran following days of protests sparked by soaring inflation, a weakening currency, and rising living costs. Demonstrations have been reported in several cities, with protesters voicing frustration over economic mismanagement and government policies.

Trump said the United States was prepared to come to the aid of protesters, a statement that drew swift condemnation from Tehran. Iranian authorities have long accused Washington of attempting to exploit internal dissent to destabilise the Islamic Republic, an accusation the U.S. has repeatedly denied.

In a defiant response, Khamenei rejected foreign pressure and warned that Iran would not bow to threats or external interference. State media portrayed the protests as being encouraged by hostile foreign actors, while security forces moved to contain demonstrations and detain organisers.

Iran has faced persistent economic challenges, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions reimposed after Washington withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal. Inflation has remained high, eroding purchasing power and fueling public anger, particularly among low-income households and young people.

Human rights organisations say the authorities have intensified arrests and surveillance in recent days, raising concerns about the use of force and restrictions on freedom of expression. Iranian officials insist security measures are necessary to maintain order and prevent unrest from spreading.

The renewed tensions highlight the fragile state of Iran’s internal stability and its strained relations with the United States, as both sides exchange sharp rhetoric amid mounting regional and economic pressures.