Iran cracks down on GenZ protesters, says it won’t negotiate with “rioters”

4.1.2026
Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has ordered a crackdown on protesting youths in the country.
Youths spread across the Islamic State have been calling for a regime change following the harsh economic realities facing the country with Iran’s currency hitting an all-time low, falling to 1,379,000 Iranian Rials to $1.
The protesters, chanting anti-government slogans including “Death to the dictator” – a reference to Ali Khamenei,87, who has ruled Iran for 37 years
“There is no benefit in negotiating with rioters, and rioters must be sent back to their places,” labeling the core protest groups as “rioters.” He also raised the “external interference theory,” claiming that protesters are being manipulated by individuals incited or hired by “enemies.”
This is the first time Khamenei has publicly addressed the situation since large-scale protests erupted on the 28th of last month. The protests were sparked by young people outraged over worsening economic conditions, including the Iranian currency hitting an all-time low against the dollar. As of the 3rd, at least 10 deaths and numerous injuries have been reported.
The Iranian government claims that U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, among Iran’s “enemies,” are conducting “operations” to incite chaos nationwide. On the 2nd, Trump stated, “If Iran brutally murders peaceful protesters, the United States will come to their rescue,” adding, “We are locked and loaded, ready to act immediately.” Voice of America (VOA) explained, “This expression means readiness for military fire or, non-militarily, preparedness to take action.” With agency reports