Iranian authorities have frequently reported the detention of small armed groups operating within the country, along with confrontations involving armed organisations near Iran’s land borders. Such incidents have received particular attention around the period before and during the conflict involving Israel and the United States.
Officials have sought to present the conflict as an issue directly connected to national security. At the same time, the announcements appear intended to demonstrate that the authorities remain in control and to discourage potential threats both domestically and internationally.
In the latest reported case, Iranian state media said on Sunday that eight people had been detained as part of a network allegedly linked to groups described by the authorities as “anti revolutionary” and “pro monarchy.”
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Fars province, located in southern Iran, accused those detained of taking part in acts during nationwide protests in January. Authorities alleged that the group used Molotov cocktails and set fire to tyres during the unrest.
Iran’s leadership has also recently voiced concern over the possibility of further demonstrations. Economic difficulties and worsening living conditions have contributed to growing public dissatisfaction, raising fears among officials that renewed protests could emerge.
Why are Iranian authorities focusing on monarchists?
During the January demonstrations and through social media discussions, some Iranians expressed support for restoring the monarchy that was removed from power following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s final Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, lives outside the country and has become a prominent critic of the Islamic Republic. In January, he urged Iranians to participate in nationwide strikes and demonstrations. The unrest reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths.
Although there have been reports of people inside Iran chanting in support of Pahlavi, there is currently no evidence of a significant organised armed movement supporting the monarchy operating within the country.