Iran faces heightened internal and external security threats

Iranian officials are expressing heightened concern regarding both external threats and internal stability following months of conflict. Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, the head of Iran’s judiciary, warned against complacency regarding enemy plots, stating that the nation faces a systematic war targeting both its people and state. He emphasized the need for national unity and adherence to the Supreme Leader’s directives to counter potential military aggression or attempts to incite internal strife.

Simultaneously, the country faces severe economic strain exacerbated by the recent US-Israeli conflict, which has impacted oil revenues and industrial infrastructure. Officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, have acknowledged these economic difficulties. There is growing apprehension that intensified economic pressure from the United States, including upcoming unprecedented measures announced by the US Treasury, could reignite large-scale domestic protests similar to those seen in late 2025.

In response to these perceived threats of unrest, the appointment of Hossein Tayeb, a figure associated with previous crackdown operations, as leader of the Basij paramilitary forces is viewed by some officials as a sign of increasing anxiety regarding domestic security and the potential for renewed civil disturbances.