The gap between Iran’s official victory speeches and daily reality is widening, with even the Revolutionary Guards showing signs of internal strain.
Following the “12-day war,” Iran is facing blackouts, collapsing public transportation, a plummeting currency, and rising public frustration.
Even the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is facing rare criticism and signs of discipline breakdown. Amid the chaos, imprisoned women at Pardis Prison are courageously protesting, evoking memories of the 1999 student uprising.
CRACKS IN THE IRGC
Exiled journalist Morad Veisi reported via Telegram that some IRGC fighters refused orders and openly criticized their commanders during the war’s final day. While not officially confirmed, the reports reflect rising internal tensions. Many young soldiers—underpaid, deployed to suppress civilians, and sent to foreign fronts—are losing ideological motivation.
WOMEN’S UPRISING BEHIND BARS
On June 15, female political prisoners at Pardis Prison disrupted a religious ceremony shouting “Death to Khamenei” and “Curse Khomeini.” According to the National Council of Resistance of Iran, prison staff responded violently. Despite potential bias in the report, it aligns with a broader trend of imprisoned women becoming symbols of resistance.
COLLAPSING INFRASTRUCTURE, BOILING PUBLIC
Ensaf News reported sudden power outages in Tehran and other cities, without prior warnings, as cost-cutting eliminated SMS alerts. One social media user bitterly wrote, “We live in real and symbolic darkness—and they still call it victory.”
In Kerman, a city of over 600,000, only 40 aging buses operate. The transportation ministry admitted that plans to renew the fleet were frozen due to lack of foreign currency and parts, leading to long delays and public frustration.
REFORMIST BACKLASH AND ECONOMIC FREEFALL
Reformist journalist Abbas Abdi slammed a new anti-spying law, saying harsher punishments won’t address root causes. Meanwhile, Iranians mark 26 years since the 1999 student protests, with hashtags circulating and tributes to those killed. Resistance from 1999 and 2022 continues to inspire.
Ironically, state TV aired a woman without a hijab shouting nationalist slogans. Online users mocked the hypocrisy, pointing out the regime punishes hijab violations unless they serve its propaganda.
The dollar hit a record 87,830 tomans. As inflation worsens and savings evaporate, Iranians rush to convert money into dollars, gold, or crypto.
LOOKING AHEAD
Iran is buckling under internal dissent, collapsing services, and economic despair. Whether the cracks in the IRGC, prison protests, or public fury lead to broader unrest remains to be seen—but the regime’s illusion of unity is clearly fading.