The Iranian leadership is signaling a “maximum deterrence” posture in response to “maximum pressure.”

Tehran is openly defying Washington with “fingers on the trigger” deterrence messaging and retaliatory threats that increasingly implicate Israel. Simultaneously, it is escalating repression—executions, forced-confession narratives, and sustained internet disruption—to crush protests at any cost.

The SAS (سازمان اطلاعات سپاه) has launched a multi-dimensional "hybrid" crackdown focused on digital infiltration, cognitive manipulation, and the use of double agents to dismantle protest networks.

Coercion, Control, and Deterrence: Iran’s Strategy to Withstand Internal Unrest and External Threats

Iran is threatening regional escalation to deter a U.S./Israeli strike, warning neighbors they will be treated as combatants. At home, it is crushing protests via a total blackout and framing unrest as foreign terrorism to justify repression.

The regime’s priority is survival: it is likely to intensify coercion while managing optics and blame to reduce the risk of a US-Israel intervention trigger.

From Chants to Confrontation: Rasht’s Escalation May Mark a New Phase in the Ongoing Protest Movement.

Iran’s media has branded protesters as foreign-backed terrorists to justify a crackdown. Tehran’s prosecutor is invoking moharebeh (a death-eligible charge)

The Iranian regime will not hesitate to apply maximum coercive power to suppress the protest

Tehran’s Arbaeen message fuses Karbala sacrifice with calls to eliminate Israel and expel U.S. influence.

Iran faces global condemnation for terrorism and hostage diplomacy, yet remains unlikely to change its strategy.

Iran’s “Internal Debate” Is a Strategic Illusion Aimed at Preserving the Regime’s Revolutionary Trajectory

Iran turns war losses into nationalist revival, yet awakened civic identity could undermine clerical rule long-term.

Jaish al-Adl Strikes Iranian Forces in Chabahar: A Renewed Wave of Insurgency in Sistan and Baluchestan

TIranian clerics declare Trump and Netanyahu moharebs, urging Muslims worldwide to resist threats against Khamenei

Iran blames Israel for abducting four diplomats in 1982, and demands international action to uncover their fate.

Kayhan: Iran Declares War on the U.S. and Israel, Targets Trump and Netanyahu by Name

Iran firmly rejects zero enrichment, affirms nuclear continuity, and frames uranium enrichment as a matter of sovereignty, pride, and scientific achievement.

State victory propaganda dominates headlines, yet beneath the surface, hopes for reform, freedom, and justice challenge the regime’s triumphant narrative.

Iran’s popular song ignites hope and tension, yearning for freedom, while the regime uses it as propaganda to grip control.