Rising Security Alert as Popular Protests Expand in Iran

Israel is closely monitoring the rapidly unfolding developments in Iran amid the widening scope of popular protests and rising levels of internal tension, against the backdrop of an increasing security alert within the Israeli security establishment, in anticipation of possible unexpected regional escalation.

Israeli security sources reported that discussions were held in recent days addressing a number of potential scenarios in light of the ongoing protests inside Iran. According to these sources, the Israeli army chief of staff issued directives to raise the level of readiness and preparedness to confront any sudden developments on all fronts, including the Iranian front, drawing on lessons learned from the events of October 7.

In this context, officials within the Israeli security establishment warned ministers and politicians against making public statements regarding the internal situation in Iran, considering that any uncalculated positions could contribute to heightened regional tension and lead to unwanted escalation. A security source was quoted as saying that “the phase is sensitive, and any political statements could have security repercussions.”

International Warnings and Iranian Responses

On the international level, the United States entered the scene, as U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning to the Iranian authorities, hinting at the possibility of intervention if the use of violence against protesters continues. In response, Iranian officials accused Washington of interfering in the country’s internal affairs, warning that such statements could lead to further escalation and instability.

Developments on the Ground Inside Iran

On the ground, Iran is witnessing its sixth day of protests that erupted against the backdrop of deteriorating living conditions, rising prices, and the decline in the value of the local currency. According to media reports, clashes between protesters and security forces have resulted in deaths and injuries and the arrest of dozens, with protests spreading to dozens of cities and areas, including Tehran and other regional cities.

Although the pace of the current protests has not reached the level of previous waves, particularly those that followed the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, they are marked by a notable geographic spread and a gradual escalation in the intensity of slogans and confrontations.

Slogans Reflecting Popular Anger

Video clips circulating on social media showed a variety of slogans chanted by protesters, where economic demands mixed with political slogans expressing rejection of the regime’s domestic and foreign policies.

Among the prominent slogans were: “Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, my soul is sacrificed for Iran,” in reference to rejecting the spending of resources on foreign policies amid the economic crisis, in addition to slogans urging solidarity and breaking the barrier of fear, such as: “No to fear, we are all together,” and “Freedom, freedom, freedom.”

Regional Concerns

Meanwhile, Iranian authorities are seeking to place responsibility for the protests on the United States and Israel, considering them part of an external plot to undermine stability. Countries in the region, including Gulf states, are cautiously monitoring developments in the Iranian scene, amid fears that the regime may resort to external escalation to divert attention from its internal crisis, in a phase described as one of the most sensitive in the Middle East.