Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, the judiciary chief of Iran’s regime, announced on the evening of Tuesday, July 22, that approximately 2,000 people had been arrested during what was described as the “12-day war between Iran and Israel.” He stated in a televised interview that the arrests continued even after Israel’s attack. While he claimed that “many” of those arrested were released after investigations, he emphasized that individuals accused of collaborating with Israel remain under interrogation and “intelligence extraction.”
Meanwhile, in a rare move, the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sent warning text messages to Iranian citizens, alleging an “increase in activities by enemy intelligence services.” It claimed these services were recruiting individuals through mobile applications to “betray the country.” These warnings come at a time when regime security officials are deeply concerned about Israel’s extensive intelligence infiltration at the highest levels of the regime, especially following the repeated assassinations of military commanders and nuclear scientists.
Mohammad Saeed Izadi, Quds Force Commander, Reportedly Killed in Israel Strikes Against Iran
In recent weeks, dozens of individuals have been arrested by security agencies in various cities across Iran. This wave of arrests has intensified alongside a rise in civil protests, worsening economic conditions, widespread public dissatisfaction with the political and economic situation, and ongoing crackdowns at universities and on social media.
Evidence suggests that in the face of severe intelligence failures, an inability to contain foreign security infiltrations, and fear of popular uprisings, Iran’s regime has resorted to an iron-fist policy marked by fear and intimidation. The use of terms like “infiltration” and “intelligence warfare” in the media and official statements, along with repression of media outlets, civil activists, and academics, indicates a regime no longer capable of maintaining control through legitimate means and instead leaning on security and deterrent measures. Observers warn that these policies will not only prove ineffective but will further fuel public discontent and increase the likelihood of a social explosion.
Iran’s Regime Uses the Pretext of Intelligence War with Israel to Intensify Repression of Its Citizens
The Iranian regime fully understands that its primary war is with the people, and that only the Iranian people are capable of ending this regime.
