Tensions are running high in Tehran just two days after Iran’s unprecedented direct attack on Israel. Concerns about the impact of war on Iran’s already struggling economy have led to a significant portion of Iranians opposing what they see as reckless actions by the country’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).
In a letter to BBC Persian, Iranian activists both inside and outside the country have criticized the IRGC’s actions, calling for an end to warmongering. Many Iranians believe that the Iran-Israel confrontation is being orchestrated by the government rather than reflecting the will of the people.
The heavy police presence in Tehran, ostensibly to enforce strict Islamic dress codes, is seen by many as a way to suppress potential protests. There are fears that a war with Israel and the US could reignite nationwide protests, similar to those seen in 2022 after the death of a young woman in police custody.
Graffiti on walls in Iranian cities reflects the mixed sentiments of the population, with some calling for strikes on the supreme leader’s house while others express concerns about a wider war. The economic impact of military escalations is also a major concern, with inflation already high and the Iranian rial falling against the US dollar.
As tensions continue to rise, Iranian newspapers are focusing on international pressure on Israel to show restraint and attempting to allay economic concerns. The Iranian press, reflecting a range of political viewpoints, has largely supported the IRGC’s actions. Online, supporters of the Islamic Republic are using hashtags to show solidarity, while critics are calling for the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization.