In brief
In response to rising tensions and potential anti-establishment protests, Iranian authorities are establishing checkpoints around Tehran, restricting internet access, and issuing warnings to residents. Reports indicate that these measures follow deadly strikes on security personnel in the capital. As coordination among protestors becomes increasingly difficult due to internet outages, the government is intensifying efforts to prevent unrest.
Iran is taking steps to prevent anti-establishment protests, with checkpoints appearing across the streets of the capital, internet access restricted, and mass text warnings sent to residents.
In Tehran, people have reported new security checkpoints where residents are stopped and searched. Checkpoints are reportedly located under footbridges and inside road tunnels after several checkpoints were targeted by drone strikes.
A number of Iranian security personnel were killed in the recent Israeli strikes on four checkpoints across Tehran, with unofficial counts indicating around 10 members of the security forces were killed.
Many residents are fearful of patrols and are changing their daily behaviors, with some altering their clothing choices to avoid drawing attention.
Amid the communication blackout, tech-savvy residents have found ways to maintain limited internet access using technologies like SpaceX's Starlink, albeit at great personal risk. Reports also indicate that authorities have begun cracking down on those who attempt to provide restricted internet service.
To counter any potential protests, authorities are sending messages warning residents against participating in unrest, branding protestors as enemies and pledging to respond decisively to any disruption.
So far, no significant protests have emerged, but the situation remains tense as the Iranian government vigorously pushes back against signs of dissent.
