Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned that any new protests will be met with a more forceful crackdown than the deadly unrest in January
Tehran: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the country’s military, issued a sharp warning on Friday, signalling that any new protests against the authorities would face a more forceful response than the deadly unrest in January.
In a televised statement, the Guards accused foreign adversaries of attempting to “instill fear and street riots” and pledged to deliver a “stronger blow than on January 8” should new unrest arise. “The evil enemy, failing to achieve its field battle goals, is once again pursuing the instillation of fear and street riots,” the statement said.
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Context: ongoing conflict and external pressures
The warning comes amid Iran’s ongoing war with the United States and Israel, which began two weeks ago. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that one objective of Israel’s military actions is to “create, for the Iranian people, the conditions to bring down” the Iranian government. US President Donald Trump has also urged Iranians to rise up and overthrow their authorities.
The Revolutionary Guards’ statement highlights Tehran’s determination to maintain domestic control during a period of heightened international tension. Security analysts note that the combination of foreign military pressure and internal dissent could make Iran particularly sensitive to public demonstrations.
January protests: scale and impact
The protests in December 2025, initially triggered by rising living costs, escalated into a broader anti-government movement. Clashes peaked on January 8, when Iranian authorities reported riots involving “terrorists” allegedly backed by Israel and the US.
According to official Iranian figures, over 3,000 people were killed, with the majority identified as members of security forces or bystanders. Overseas-based NGOs have disputed this, claiming that the security forces deliberately fired on demonstrators, with the Human Rights Activists News Agency reporting more than 7,000 deaths.
Domestic control and security measures
Iran, which has been an Islamic republic since 1979, relies heavily on the Revolutionary Guards to maintain domestic stability. Analysts say the latest warning signals a readiness to suppress any attempt to reignite large-scale protests, especially during ongoing military confrontations.
Authorities continue to emphasise the official narrative, urging citizens to avoid participating in unrest or spreading rumours. The statement also underscores Tehran’s intention to protect government institutions and critical infrastructure while deterring civil resistance.
Looking ahead
With the combination of regional conflict and internal unrest, the coming weeks are expected to see heightened security measures across Iran. International human rights organisations continue to monitor the situation closely, reporting on the treatment of civilians and the response of security forces.
The Revolutionary Guards’ warning serves as both a domestic message to potential protesters and an international signal of Iran’s stance amid the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel.
Published: 13 Mar 2026, 01:36 pm IST
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