Iran's leader says rioters must be put in their place

Iran's supreme leader insisted that rioters must be put in their place, after a week of protests that have shaken the Islamic Republic.

The first comments by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei come as violence surrounding the demonstrations sparked by Iran's ailing economy has killed at least 10 people.

The protests showed no sign of stopping and followed US President Donald Trump's statement on Friday that if Tehran kills protesters, the US "will come to their rescue".

State television aired remarks by Khamenei who said "we talk to protesters, the officials must talk to them, but there is no benefit to talking to rioters."

"Rioters must be put in their place," said Khamanei.

The protests, taking root in economic issues, have heard demonstrators chant against Iran's theocracy as well.