Iran’s Security Forces Crack Down Amidst Rising Dissatisfaction
Following recent joint U.S.-Israeli strikes, Iran is experiencing a surge in repression as its security forces target the population, reportedly acting on orders to quell dissent. The crackdown comes as Iranians grapple with both the aftermath of the attacks and a growing sense of betrayal following unfulfilled promises of change, raising concerns about escalating instability in the region.
Reports indicate a significant increase in aggressive tactics by Iranian law enforcement and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Individuals are being treated with heightened suspicion, with authorities operating under a climate of paranoia. “Chacun est traité comme un suspect,” according to La Croix, meaning “Everyone is treated like a suspect.”
The escalation follows a period of heightened tension, triggered by the recent military actions. The Iranian regime, a complex network of councils and authorities, is now led by a three-person leadership council consisting of President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, a member of the Guardian Council, following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on March 3, 2026.
According to reports, security forces have received explicit instructions to use force. “Nous avons reçu l’ordre de faire couler votre sang,” Le Figaro reported, translating to “We have received the order to make your blood flow.” This directive signals a willingness to suppress any form of opposition with extreme measures.
The current situation underscores the regime’s determination to maintain control amidst internal and external pressures. 24 Heures reports that the regime’s armed forces are retaliating against the population, further exacerbating tensions.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces consist of the regular army (Artesh), the Police Command (Faraja), and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Sepah). According to Wikipedia, these forces comprise approximately 610,000 active-duty personnel, with an additional 350,000 in reserve. The 2025 defense budget was estimated at $2.8 billion, representing 2.5% of the country’s GDP.
The supreme leader, previously Ali Khamenei, holds ultimate authority over the armed forces, setting Iran’s grand strategy focused on regime preservation and the export of its revolutionary ideology. The president and defense minister have limited operational control, with the Defense and Armed Forces Logistics Ministry responsible for managing the military-industrial base and arms acquisitions. The Institute for the Study of War provides further detail on the command structure and organization of these forces.
Many Iranians who had hoped for a change in leadership now feel betrayed, adding to the widespread discontent. The development underscores growing regional tensions and raises questions about the future stability of Iran and the broader Middle East.
