Iranians Reveal Rising Fear and Anger Amid Regime's New Wave of Repression

The recent execution of two protest participants in Isfahan has reignited fears of escalating repression by Iran's regime. Citizens inside the country described to N12 an atmosphere of widespread fear on the streets alongside growing anger toward the government. Sajad, a Tehran resident, said the regime has resumed using executions as a tool to intimidate the public, with daily executions and threats against families to prevent media exposure. He emphasized that these actions aim to instill fear so no one dares to raise their voice, adding that there is no safe space for citizens.

Sajad also reported increased enforcement in public spaces, including phone inspections on Tehran's metro and renewed hijab patrols that can lead to arrests if protest-related content is found on phones. Social media activity is also risky; following figures like Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi on Instagram can result in detention. Alireza from Mashhad described heavily armed security motorcycle units patrolling crowded streets to create an unsafe environment. He noted that the regime intensifies repression during periods of reduced external threats, particularly when it feels secure from the US and Israel.

Reza, another Tehran resident, highlighted executions as a longstanding method for the Islamic Republic to scare the population and said the regime exploits every opportunity to deepen societal repression. These testimonies paint a picture of citizens caught between fear of harsher government measures and mounting anger. Sajad concluded that while the regime seeks to instill fear, what has truly taken root among the people is growing rage.