Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that anyone resisting or threatening the nation's authority will be directly confronted.
In comments delivered as he led weekly prayers at Tehran University Friday, the ayatollah said differences of opinion and criticism could be tolerated, but if anyone stands against the Islamic republic, they would be met with a harsh response.
The comments appeared to be directed towards Iran's opposition parties that disputed the outcome of June's presidential elections.
Ayatollah Khamenei endorsed the controversial June vote that re-elected Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Government opponents say the election was fraudulent, and it set off days of street demonstrations.
Thousands of Iranians were arrested for protesting the outcome of the election. Opposition leaders say many of those arrested remain in custody.