Iran’s recent crackdown on protests demonstrates a significant shift in the regime’s tactics for suppressing dissent. Viewing domestic unrest as an extension of its conflict with Israel, the Iranian government has adopted advanced technological measures alongside traditional riot control methods. These changes come in the wake of the shame and embarrassment caused by Israeli infiltration during a brief conflict in June.
New Tactics for Protest Suppression
The Iranian regime has introduced innovative methods to manage and control public protests. These strategies incorporate sophisticated military technology and psychological operations to systematically suppress dissent. Key elements include:
- Low-flying surveillance drones
- Signal jammers to disrupt communications
- Propaganda campaigns deployed rapidly
- Violence as a method of crowd control
To combat protestors effectively, Iran has used drones for surveillance, monitoring protesters even from their homes. A police video titled “Identifiable Sounds” illustrates this tactic—drones were shown violating residential privacy to identify individuals chanting anti-regime slogans from their windows.
Severe Communications Blackout
Moreover, the Iranian government implemented an unprecedented communications blackout aimed at isolating the country from the rest of the world. This blackout severely limited accessibility, even jamming SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, which has been used by many to bypass internet restrictions. Cybersecurity expert Amir Rashidi described this jamming as employing military-grade technology, surpassing previous methods used in earlier protests.
This extreme measure marks a notable advancement in the government’s capability to exert control over online activities. During the protests in 2019 and 2022, Iran temporarily shut down the internet. However, the latest blackout demonstrated an alarming level of automation, allowing near-instantaneous responses to communications.
Escalation of Violence and Regime Response
Protests in Iran have gained momentum, particularly after January 10, leading to chaotic scenes where demonstrators demanded the regime’s overthrow. The violence that ensued has been described as unprecedented, with reports indicating hundreds of fatalities and thousands of arrests. Experts suggest this crackdown may reflect one of the highest death tolls in the country since the 1979 revolution.
The Iranian authorities have denied culpability in these deaths, instead asserting that violence was instigated by “rioters” allegedly linked to external enemies. This response was executed swiftly, showcasing the government’s growing paranoia about dissent and its willingness to use deadly force to maintain control. Matthew Levitt, a counter-terrorism expert, emphasized the regime’s fear-driven response and its characterization of protests as foreign conspiracies.
Media Manipulation and Public Sentiment
The regime’s propaganda machinery has worked tirelessly to promote a narrative of fear. State media has circulated alarming footage and claims, including reports from morgues and warnings about surveillance. Such tactics appear aimed at deterring potential protesters by instilling a atmosphere of dread.
Despite the regime’s attempts to showcase unwavering support through state-sanctioned demonstrations and public displays of loyalty, signs indicate that protests in Tehran have diminished in scale following the recent violent crackdown. However, ongoing communication blackouts complicate the accurate assessment of protest sizes and activities.
On a broader scale, the Iranian foreign minister expressed confidence that the government maintains control over the situation. Yet with figures like former President Trump urging Iranians to continue their protests, there seems to be potential for renewed unrest in the coming days.
