Fear Grows in Iran as Crackdown Deepens After War
Life in Iran remains overshadowed by the visible presence of state power, with images of past leaders and current authorities dominating public spaces. Despite protests, conflict, and a recent ceasefire, the system of the Islamic Republic continues to hold firm. According to accounts gathered inside the country, the authorities appear not only intact but increasingly entrenched. Many citizens believe the state has become more assertive and, in some cases, more punitive following recent events. In Tehran, a young couple—identified here as Sana and Diako for their safety—shared contrasting perspectives on the country’s direction. While Diako expressed cautious optimism about potential change, Sana was more critical, arguing that power has become even more concentrated, particularly among influential security institutions. The recent conflict, which involved strikes by the United States and Israel, initially raised expectations among some Iranians that political change might […]