Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated on Saturday that rioters "must be put in their place" following a week of protests across the Islamic Republic. Khamenei's remarks, his first on the matter, were made as violence surrounding the demonstrations, triggered by Iran's struggling economy, resulted in at least 10 deaths.

The protests, which show no signs of abating, gained further attention after United States President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iran on Friday. Trump threatened intervention should Tehran violently suppress peaceful protesters, though the specifics of any potential U.S. action remain unclear.

Khamenei, 86, did not specify what measures should be taken against the rioters. The protests initially erupted in response to rising living costs and economic hardship, reflecting a growing discontent among the Iranian populace. These demonstrations are occurring against a backdrop of increasing economic pressure on Iran, exacerbated by international sanctions.

The situation is further complicated by heightened tensions between Iran and the United States. The Iranian government has accused the U.S. of meddling in its internal affairs and inciting unrest. In a separate statement also released on Saturday, Khamenei asserted that the U.S. "must and will leave" the Middle East, further underscoring the strained relationship between the two nations.

The United Nations has been urged by Iran to respond to what it considers Trump's "reckless threats" regarding the protests. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with concerns mounting over the potential for further escalation and violence. The immediate future hinges on the Iranian government's response to the ongoing protests and any potential actions taken by the United States.