Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected any compromise with protesters and warned foreign powers against interference, state broadcaster IRIB recorded him as saying from Tehran on January 9.

In a speech to groups who support the Islamic Republic system, Khamenei ridiculed protestors, saying they were "burning rubbish" on the streets, then accusing them of being stooges for foreign powers. 

"In the face of those who seek compromise, the Islamic Republic will not back down," Khamenei said during a speech that included chants of "Death to America" and "Death to Israel."

The supreme leader said the Islamic Republic came to power "on the blood of several hundred thousand honourable people" and would not tolerate becoming a "lackey of foreigners."

"Whoever you think you are — once you become a foreign agent, once you work for outsiders, the people will reject you. The Islamic system will reject you as well," he stated.

Khamenei appeared to reference an unnamed foreign leader, saying "that fellow sitting there with arrogance and conceit, passing judgement on the whole world" should know that tyrants throughout history were overthrown at the height of their pride, likely in reference to US President Donald Trump.

"This one will be overthrown too," he added, comparing the figure to historical rulers including Pharaoh, Nimrod and Iran's former shahs Reza Khan and Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

The speech comes as protests enter their 13th day across Iran, with up to 100 deaths confirmed by human rights organisations.

US President Donald Trump has threatened military action if Iranian security forces kill protesters, whilst exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi has called for demonstrations.

Internet connectivity was disrupted across Tehran and multiple cities on January 8, with monitoring organisation NetBlocks reporting network failures coinciding with protest activity.

More than 2,000 people have been arrested since demonstrations began on December 28 over economic conditions following currency devaluation.