Iran is framing the EU’s IRGC terrorist designation as grounds for reciprocal legal and operational retaliation, including threats to the Strait of Hormuz and suspension of key security cooperation. As U.S. forces surge into the region, Tehran is compressing decision-time and signaling readiness for rapid kinetic escalation through “total war” rhetoric and mohareb-style delegitimization of Western and Israeli leadership.

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.

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

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

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.

Diplomacy, solidarity, and strategic restraint: Iran’s survival hinges on averting escalation and safeguarding its regime.

The election of Masoud Pezeshkian may result in superficial changes that the West will exploit to continue its appeasement policy

Heroic Flexibility in Action: Iran’s Green Light for Negotiation Raises Questions

Navigating the Maze: A Reformist's Challenge in Iran's Election Process

Female Iranian Chess Prodigy Granted Spanish Citizenship

"We are not afraid of the morality police."

EU calls on Iran to end executions

582 people were executed in Iran

Students unite to support persecuted peers at Tehran's Art University.