Iran's Authorities Warn Against Protests Amid Ongoing Conflict with Israel and the U.S.

As the conflict between Iran and a coalition of Israel and the United States intensifies, Iranian authorities have issued stern warnings against potential anti-government protests. National police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan stated that any citizens participating in protests perceived as supporting foreign adversaries would be treated as enemies. He emphasized that security forces are prepared to respond with lethal force, stating, “We will deal with them in the same way we deal with enemies.” This warning comes in the wake of a brutal crackdown on protests earlier this year, which resulted in significant casualties and arrests.

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The current unrest follows a series of protests that erupted in January 2026, driven by economic grievances exacerbated by international sanctions. Iranian authorities reported over 3,000 deaths during these protests, while the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) claims the death toll exceeded 7,000, predominantly among protesters. The Iranian government has characterized these protests as “riots” instigated by foreign enemies, particularly the U.S. and Israel.

The Hindu

The conflict escalated significantly after a U.S.-Israeli airstrike killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other high-ranking officials, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing hostilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has actively encouraged the Iranian populace to rise against their government, framing the conflict as a historic opportunity for liberation. He stated, “We are waging a historic war for liberty. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you to remove the Ayatollah regime and gain your freedom.”

Times of Israel

Human rights advocates have condemned the Iranian government's response to dissent, arguing that the authorities are exploiting wartime conditions to suppress opposition. Shirin Ebadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, criticized the police chief's threats, stating, “When the police chief says ‘hands on the trigger,’ it means he is ready to kill citizens instead of protecting people’s lives.” Activists fear that the regime's repressive measures will only intensify if it survives the current conflict.

Times of Israel

Reports of civilian casualties and the impact of military actions on the Iranian populace have raised significant concerns. While the Israeli military claims to have targeted military personnel, Iranian state media allege that civilian areas have also been affected. The ongoing conflict has led to a heightened security presence in Iranian cities, with armed checkpoints established to deter potential protests.

As the situation evolves, Iranian authorities remain vigilant against any signs of unrest. The judiciary has threatened severe penalties for those arrested during protests, including capital punishment. Observers note that the Iranian regime's primary concern is not external military threats but rather the internal demand for change from its citizens. The coming weeks may prove critical as both the Iranian government and external forces navigate this complex and volatile landscape.