Iran tightens domestic security amid US strike threats

Iranian authorities are intensifying domestic security measures as the country remains at war with the United States.

Officials have warned of harsh sentences for anyone protesting the government and are increasing control in public spaces after a period of relaxed dress‑code enforcement. The crackdown follows the war that began on 28 October with US and Israeli strikes on Iranian leaders.

On Sunday, the judiciary announced that three young men arrested during nationwide protests in January were executed for allegedly attacking government offices and damaging public property near Tehran in support of the US and Israel. The authorities label such antigovernment protests a “coup” attempt by “terrorists” linked to the United States and Israel.

Human rights groups and a United Nations fact‑finding mission have documented crimes against humanity during the violent January protests, which killed thousands, particularly on the nights of 8 and 9 January. Foreign‑based organisations note that many political cases leading to executions involve allegations of torture, forced confessions and due‑process violations.

According to the Norway‑based Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Iran has executed at least 79 political or religious prisoners this year, including 40 arrested during the January demonstrations. Some of those executed were convicted of espionage.

Experts say the tightening of security is aimed at preserving the principles of the Islamic Republic while the war with the United States and Israel continues.

Source: Al Jazeera. Photo: ehsan hasani / Pexels.