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In a stark reflection of its deepening anxiety, the Iranian regime’s officials have, in recent days, issued conflicting and alarmist statements, revealing their fears over internal instability, economic turmoil, and growing dissent. These remarks underscore the regime’s concerns about its vulnerability to both domestic unrest and international pressure.
Fear of Weakness and Internal Collapse
At the Friday prayer sermon on February 28, Mohammad-Bagher Mohammadi Laini, Friday prayer leader of Sari, warned against the perception of weakness within the regime, stating: “We must instill fear in the enemy, not the other way around. Worse than fear itself is letting the enemy see that we are afraid… unfortunately, some people are telling foreign elements that we are empty-handed, that one missile could wipe us out.”
Laini also emphasized the importance of preventing opposition forces from uniting against the regime, admitting that if adversaries form a united front, the situation could become “very difficult” for the ruling establishment. His remarks highlight the leadership’s underlying fear that internal divisions and external pressure could accelerate the regime’s downfall.
Surfaced footage reveals state officials’ fear of public defiance during #IranRevolution2022. Watch and judge what they are faced with. pic.twitter.com/An9li32Dxc
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) November 18, 2022
Economic Crisis and Leadership Paralysis
The regime’s economic struggles have exacerbated internal discord, with officials openly acknowledging their failures. Laini lamented the dire state of Iran’s economy, particularly the devaluation of the national currency, and expressed frustration over the government’s inability to curb the crisis: “The dollar keeps surging, and we can’t stop it. We can’t reduce dependency on foreign currency. We can’t even agree on whether to impeach officials. So what are we supposed to do?”
The growing economic hardship has not only fueled public anger but also deepened the divisions among regime factions.
Security and the Fear of Revolt
The regime’s security apparatus also appears deeply concerned about the effectiveness of opposition movements and online activism. Ahmadreza Radan, commander of State Security Forces, acknowledged the threat posed by growing dissent on digital platforms. Speaking at a ceremony in Khuzestan, he stated: “In the past, the enemy attacked with tanks. Today, they are waging a cognitive war in cyberspace. Back then, we were surrounded in the trenches; today, we are surrounded in online channels.”
This admission reflects the regime’s alarm over the influence of opposition forces in shaping public opinion and mobilizing resistance through social media.
#Iranian Officials Fear Uprising and Regime Downfall on Anniversary of 2009 and 2017 Protestshttps://t.co/6w44RIVFHK
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) December 31, 2024
Diplomatic Isolation and Strategic Desperation
Meanwhile, the regime’s former ambassador to Germany, Ali Majedi, highlighted the regime’s diplomatic failures and increasing international isolation. In a recent article, he wrote: “Due to missed opportunities, Iran now faces the threat of the ‘snapback’ mechanism [restoration of UN sanctions]. The U.S. holds all the leverage in negotiations with Europe, while we have stripped ourselves of any bargaining power.”
Similarly, Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, former head of the regime’s parliamentary security commission, warned that the Trump administration’s Iran strategy, coupled with a potential U.S.-Russia deal, could leave Tehran completely cornered: “Trump’s proposed policies spell the end of negotiations for Iran… the worst scenario is if Iran becomes a bargaining chip in a U.S.-Russia deal over Ukraine.”
Intensified Unrest in Sistan and Baluchestan
In addition to its economic and diplomatic woes, the regime continues to struggle with maintaining control over Sistan and Baluchestan, one of Iran’s most restive regions. Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib recently warned that foreign-backed elements fuel instability there, an assertion that echoes previous statements from other officials.
Officials’ Statements in the Last 24 Hours Reflect the #Iranian Regime’s Growing Fear of An Uncertain Fate amid Regional Defeathttps://t.co/jhHwaXN7IZ
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) December 24, 2024
Hosseinali Shahriari, a regime parliamentarian, had earlier admitted that security forces were overwhelmed in the province: “Sistan and Baluchestan has been classified as a red-zone for security. We have deployed 70,000 armed personnel, yet there are casualties among them daily.”
This stark acknowledgment suggests that the province remains a major flashpoint for anti-regime resistance.
Conclusion
As Iran’s political, economic, and security crises deepen, the regime’s top officials appear increasingly alarmed about their future. Their statements reflect an undeniable reality: a state that once projected strength is now consumed by fear of internal collapse, public uprisings, and international isolation. The growing admission of weakness from within signals a regime struggling to maintain its grip on power.