‘We have our finger on the trigger’: Iran’s warning to Iranians who try to overthrow the regime, as Trump calls for

Members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards AFP via BBC When US President Donald Trump began attacks on Iran, killing its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he told Iranians to “take control of the government.” “It will be yours,” Trump said. “This will probably be your only chance in generations.” But as the war between the US, Israel and Iran has intensified over the past two weeks, Iranians have received very different messages about what might happen if they take action. The encouragement from Trump and Iranians living outside the country came alongside reports of an increase in police and security presence in cities across the country, with authorities warning against gatherings or protests. ‘We will come after you’ Earlier this week, Iran’s police chief, General Ahmadreza Radan, warned that his forces would treat anyone who took to the streets “at the request of the enemy” as an “enemy.” “All our forces are ready to defend the revolution and support your people and your country,” Radan added. At another point, a presenter from Iranian state television’s Channel Three addressed opponents of the Islamic Republic and those considering protesting against the government. “When the dust settles from this sedition, we will come after you,” said the presenter. “Confiscating your property will be the minimum. We will make you and your families pay, whether you are at home or abroad.” On March 8, Iran’s Attorney General’s Office issued a statement warning Iranians living abroad that if they cooperate with what it described as “hostile enemies” they could face severe punishment. Citing Iranian law on “intensifying punishment for espionage and cooperation with Israel and hostile countries,” the statement emphasized that any “operational activity, intelligence cooperation or espionage” for such countries could result not only in the confiscation of assets but also the death penalty. These threats are a stark reminder of the threats Iranians face if they protest their government. During weeks of anti-government protests in December and January, at least 7,000 protesters were killed in an unprecedented crackdown by security forces, according to rights groups. Understand the escalation of protests in Iran ‘Take your destiny into your own hands’ Despite this, some leaders outside Iran are trying to encourage Iranians to take action against the government at a time of the regime’s weakness. On Tuesday, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, urged the Iranian population to obtain essential supplies as quickly as possible and to await what he called his “final call.” In a video message, he said: “For your own safety, get off the streets and stay in your homes. Continue the strikes and don’t go to work. To demonstrate your unity, keep up the nightly chants [contra as autoridades] with force.” Pahlavi also addressed members of Iran’s military and security forces, saying: “This is the last opportunity for you to separate yourself from the forces of repression and unite with the people.” His appeal came at a time of heightened security inside Iran. As the internet blockade continued, checkpoints were set up in several neighborhoods and streets. Funerals for Iranian commanders killed in the early days of the war took place in Tehran on Wednesday Getty Images via BBC On Wednesday, the news agency Iranian semi-official Fars, close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), claimed that Israeli drones targeted several checkpoints in Tehran. The agency claimed that several military personnel were killed in the strikes and, citing unofficial sources, said that “around 10” people died. “royalists”, referring to Pahlavi’s supporters. As military strikes continue, concerns grow about civilian casualties and rising tensions in the Middle East. Several observers have also warned about the wider consequences of the war for civilian lives, regional security and global energy markets. week: “This is a unique opportunity for you to overthrow the ayatollahs’ regime and win your freedom.” The rival messages give an idea of the intense pressure hanging over Iranians. Authorities inside the country warn against any dissent, while voices abroad encourage Iranians to see the moment as an opportunity for change.

Source link