In brief
Amid fears of renewed anti-establishment protests following recent unrest, Iranian authorities have escalated security measures in Tehran. New checkpoints have been established, internet access is restricted, and residents have received mass text warnings against gathering. Witness accounts reveal that security forces are stopping and searching individuals, particularly in areas previously targeted by drone strikes during conflicts. The government is also using propaganda and warnings to deter dissent, as the city witnesses both pro-establishment rallies and a notable absence of significant protests. Reports indicate a crackdown on those attempting to bypass the state-imposed internet outages.
Iran is taking steps to prevent anti-establishment protests, with checkpoints appearing across the streets of the capital, internet access restricted, and mass text warnings sent to residents.
In Tehran, people have been telling the BBC about new security checkpoints around the city, where they say residents are stopped and searched.
They have told BBC Persian that some checkpoints are positioned under footbridges and inside road tunnels, following reports that several checkpoints in the middle of roads had been targeted by drone strikes.
A number of Iranian security personnel were killed in Israeli strikes on four checkpoints across Tehran, the hardline Fars News Agency reported. Fars said unofficial counts indicated around 10 members of the security forces were killed.
Residents have shared strategies to navigate these checkpoints, with one individual describing how he compliments the security forces to defuse tension.
Amid internet restrictions, some residents are resorting to alternative means for communication, including using technology like SpaceX's Starlink to bypass government blocks.
The Iranian government is also sending warnings against protests to citizens, emphasizing their discontent towards any organizations attempting to destabilize the country.
So far, there have been no signs of mass anti-establishment protests similar to those seen in January, indicating effective government measures in stifling dissent.
