Iran Warns Against Anti-Establishment Protests

Iranian authorities have issued a stern warning against internal anti-establishment protests, threatening forceful action, as the United States and Israel continue to target Iran's paramilitary Basij forces. Police Chief Ahmad-Reza Radan stated on Tuesday, March 11, 2026, that individuals protesting "at the will of the enemy" would be treated as enemies. This declaration follows a period of nationwide protests two months prior, which resulted in thousands of deaths and a 20-day internet shutdown.

Police and Basij forces have been conducting patrols across Iranian cities, including Tehran, since the start of the US-Israel conflict 12 days ago. State media has broadcast footage of armored vehicles and masked security forces participating in rallies, calling for revenge for the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and warning against dissent. Additionally, state-affiliated media reported a vehicle bombing in eastern Tehran and a missile attack on a Bank Sepah administrative building overnight into Wednesday, with high casualties reported at the bank.

In response to the bank attack, the IRGC's Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters declared an expansion of Iranian attacks to include US and Israeli banking and economic interests regionally. The Israeli military has also signaled potential direct targeting of lower-level Basij forces, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressing Iranians to "grasp their destiny." Funeral processions for commanders killed in the conflict were held in Tehran and other cities on Wednesday, amidst reports of fresh airstrikes in the capital. Iranian authorities report over 1,250 civilian deaths, while Israel claims over 1,900 military personnel and commanders killed.