Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned on Friday (January 9, 2026) that his country "will not give in" to a growing wave of protests that pose a serious challenge to the Islamic Republic, in power since 1979. He also sent a message to US President Donald Trump, accusing him of having Iranian blood on his hands and warning him to focus on governing his own country. In a message to the nation, the Iranian leader referred to the threats made against the country by Trump, who asserted that he would defend the citizens currently protesting in the streets of Iran if his government continues killing them. "US President Trump should focus on governing his own country if he is capable; he faces numerous internal problems there," the religious leader stated. He added that “Trump's hand is stained with the blood of more than a thousand Iranians who died in the US-Israeli aggression of June” and urged the youth to preserve national unity, emphasizing that “a united nation can defeat any enemy.” He then asserted that Iran “will not yield to those who commit acts of vandalism” and will not “tolerate those who act as mercenaries for foreigners.” 45 protesters killed. “Last night in Tehran, a gang of vandals came to destroy a building… rioters vandalizing national property to pay homage to the President of the United States,” the Supreme Leader added. But “the arrogant” Donald Trump, he said, will be “overthrown,” as was the imperial dynasty that ruled Iran until the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Khamenei's message comes as Iran enters its thirteenth day of nationwide protests, initially sparked by merchants and economic sectors affected by the deteriorating economic situation, the collapse of the rial, and high inflation. Iran is going through a deep economic crisis, with annual inflation exceeding 42 percent. At least 45 protesters, including eight children, have died and hundreds more have been injured in the protests.According to the latest data released Thursday by the Oslo-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO).