‘Fingers on the trigger’: Deadly warnings for Iranians being urged to take action

Iranians were instructed to “take over your government” by US President Donald Trump after he launched attacks on Iran, killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country’s supreme leader.You’ll be able to take it,” Trump declared. “This will be probably your only chance for generations.” 

However, Iranians have been given very different messages about what would happen if they do take action as the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has intensified over the last two weeks.  Reports of heightened security and police presence in Iranian cities have prompted encouragement from those outside the country, while Islamic Republic officials have cautioned against any potential rallies or gatherings.

Brigadier General Ahmadreza Radan, Iran’s chief of police, issued a warning earlier this week that anyone who goes to the streets “at the enemy’s request” will be treated as a “enemy” by his forces.

“All our forces have their fingers on the trigger and are ready to defend the revolution and support their people and their country,” Radan added.

Separately, a presenter on Iran’s state television Channel Three addressed opponents of the Islamic Republic and those who might protest against the government.

“When the dust of this sedition settles, we will come after you,” the presenter said. “Confiscating your property will be the least of it. We will make you and your families pay, whether you are inside the country or abroad.”

Additionally, Iran’s Prosecutor General Office warned Iranians residing overseas on March 8 that cooperation with “hostile enemies” could result in harsh penalties. 

The statement emphasized that any “operational activity, intelligence cooperation or espionage” for such nations could result in the death penalty in addition to property confiscation, citing Iran’s law on the “intensification of punishment for espionage and cooperation with Israel and hostile countries”. 

These threats serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers Iranians face should they choose to demonstrate against the government. Human rights organizations claim that during weeks of anti-government demonstrations in December and January, security forces killed at least 7,000 demonstrators in an unprecedented crackdown.

Meanwhile, figures outside Iran have tried to encourage Iranians to take action against their government, at a precarious moment for the clerical establishment.

On Tuesday, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, urged people in Iran to obtain essential supplies as soon as possible and wait for what he called his “final call”. In a video message, he said: “For your own safety, leave the streets and remain in your homes. Continue strikes and do not go to work. To show your unity, keep up the night-time chants [against the authorities] with strength.”

Pahlavi also addressed members of Iran’s military and security forces, saying: “This is the final opportunity to separate yourselves from the forces of repression and join the people.”

On Wednesday, the Fars News Agency reported that Israeli drones targeted several checkpoints in Tehran, resulting in the deaths of “around 10” armed personnel. The report indicated that this operation aimed to weaken Tehran’s security and provoke unrest, allegedly involving supporters of the former monarchy. Rising tensions and concerns about civilian casualties in the Middle East have escalated, with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu encouraging Iranians to leverage the conflict as an opportunity for change against the current regime. Amid warnings against dissent, many in Iran are closely monitoring the situation and contemplating their next moves.