Iranian authorities have intensified a domestic security crackdown following the 12-day war with Israel, leading to mass arrests and executions of individuals accused of spying for Israel. The measures are part of a broader effort to suppress dissent and control the population in the wake of the conflict.
Reports indicate that the crackdown began after Israel’s June 13 airstrikes. According to Reuters, the authorities have launched widespread arrests and increased their street presence, which activists and officials have noted. The harsh measures have dampened hopes—among some in Israel as well as Iranian dissidents—that the country could see an uprising and regime change. However, no significant demonstrations have taken place yet, Reuters reported. Some on the ground expressed frustration with the Islamic Republic’s policies, which they believe led to the war against the U.S. and Israel.
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) criticized the regime’s actions, stating that executions are used to spread terror among Iranians. Meanwhile, Israel’s Operation Rising Lion has helped the public realize that the Iranian regime is a paper tiger that is weaker than ever, FDD’s Senior Iran and Financial Economics Advisor Saeed Ghasseminejad said in a statement.
Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that 705 individuals had been arrested in Iran on