Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that the country is facing economic challenges due to pressure from Tehran’s enemies and urged authorities to intensify the fight against their agents on Iranian territory.

Khamenei made the remarks during a meeting with families of those killed in US strikes on Iran in June 2025, The Caspian Post reports via Iranian media.

He attributed recent protests by small businesses in Tehran to currency fluctuations, emphasizing that while the Islamic Republic respects the right to protest, it will not tolerate unrest.

“The uncontrolled rise in foreign currency [against the rial] is not natural - these are the actions of the enemy, which must be stopped,” he said.

“We talk to protesters, but there is no point in negotiating with those causing chaos,” Khamenei added.

He called on security forces to crack down on enemy mercenaries attempting to undermine national security through riots.

Khamenei also noted that the president and senior officials are doing their utmost to resolve the country’s economic problems.