Iranian authorities are shifting their focus from a ceasefire with Israel to a significant internal security crackdown, marked by widespread arrests and military deployments, particularly in the Kurdish region. This change in strategy follows the commencement of Israeli airstrikes on June 13, which prompted Iranian security forces to increase their presence on the streets and establish checkpoints.
Despite hopes among some Israeli officials and exiled opposition groups that the military campaign would incite a mass uprising against the Islamic Republic, no substantial protests have emerged. Many Iranians express anger towards their government, blaming its policies for provoking the Israeli attacks, yet dissent remains subdued. A senior Iranian security official indicated that the government is particularly wary of potential unrest in Kurdish areas, where Revolutionary Guard and Basij paramilitary units have been placed on high alert.
Activists within Iran report increased caution, fearing that the regime may exploit the current situation to justify further crackdowns. The Iranian rights group HRNA has documented 705 political or security-related arrests since the onset of the conflict, with some detainees accused of espionage for Israel. Reports indicate that three individuals were executed in Urmia, a city near the Turkish border, with the Iranian-Kurdish rights group Hengaw confirming that those executed were Kurdish.
Security measures have intensified, with troops deployed along Iran's borders to prevent potential infiltrations by perceived threats, including ethnic separatists. Kurdish opposition groups report that their members have also been targeted, describing an extensive military presence and operations in Kurdish provinces. Checkpoints have been established for searches, underscoring the heightened security environment in the region.