Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, for the first time, acknowledged the “legitimate demands” of protesters amid the economic crisis, while simultaneously calling for an end to what he described as the actions of “riot instigators.”

He said authorities are working to address living difficulties, stressing that dialogue is futile with those he accuses of spreading chaos.

His remarks come as protests continue in more than 25 cities, with the death toll rising to eight, including two members of the security forces.