Iran's Khamenei Defies US, Vows No Yield Amid Surging Protests & Arrests

• Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed not to yield to the US, calling protesters "rioters" who must be "put in their place," despite acknowledging legitimate economic concerns.
• Protests sparked by soaring inflation and a collapsing rial have led to over 10 deaths and scores of arrests, with rights groups reporting a sharp rise in detentions.
• US President Donald Trump threatened action, stating the US was "locked and loaded and ready to go," adding pressure to Iran's sanctions-hit economy.
• The unrest, primarily in western provinces, marks the toughest domestic test for authorities in three years, though smaller than the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests.
• Authorities maintain a dual approach: dialogue for legitimate economic protests but tear gas and crackdowns for "rioters," with security forces also suffering casualties.

Why It Matters: Iran's leader defies US threats as economic protests escalate, leading to deaths and arrests.