A fragile ceasefire that many Iranians say does not feel like a genuine ceasefire has given some people inside the country the courage to speak out, despite what they describe as enormous personal risk. The accounts emerge as President Donald Trump threatened to hit Iran “very hard” if the regime does not accept a U.S.-backed deal, following renewed military escalation that threatened to derail already fragile negotiations. The latest round of U.S. strikes followed the downing of a U.S. Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump blamed on the Iranian regime. Iran later reportedly retaliated with attacks in the region.
Inside Iran, three young voices described a country where repression is becoming even more visible, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is expanding its presence on the streets, and ordinary people are struggling to afford basic necessities. All three spoke through written messages because of security concerns and internet restrictions inside Iran. Their names have been changed to protect their identities. They described a similar reality: checkpoints across major streets, fear of the Basij, the hardline volunteer militia under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, renewed enforcement of hijab rules, mass layoffs, long lines outside bakeries and a growing sense among young Iranians that the future has disappeared.
Revolutionary Guards expand visible control across Iranian cities
Hassan, one of the sources who agreed to speak, said the influence of the Revolutionary Guards has always been present, with everything operating within their ideological framework. Now, their interference is more obvious and easier to see. “Now the curtain has simply been pulled back,” Hassan said. Milad, another source, described a city transformed by security forces. “The atmosphere in cities and government offices has become much more securitized. Security forces are now visible around almost every major square and intersection, and there are numerous checkpoints throughout the cities,” he said. Individuals affiliated with the security apparatus or the Basij are increasingly being given positions of authority and influence.
At the beginning of the war, Milad said, authorities appeared to ease some social restrictions, including enforcement of hijab rules. But he said that pressure has since returned, adding that the regime is not only targeting opponents, but also silencing supporters who cross political red lines. “For example, a group staged a sit-in protest against negotiations with the United States,” Milad said. “Security forces intervened and told them that they were disrupting public security. They were warned that if they did not leave, they would be arrested.”
IRGC control reaches unprecedented levels in daily life
Ali, a student in Tehran, said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps control feels more open than ever. “It can be said that if previously 80% of the country was controlled by the Revolutionary Guard and the rest by the government, now 100% of the country is in the hands of the IRGC,” Ali said. “When you drive through the streets and reach checkpoints, you don’t even dare look them in the eye because they can do whatever they want.” He added that no one dares get into trouble with people who are members of organizations like the Basij, because they can report your name and have you arrested. “They have become more brutal than ever, and people know that if they take to the streets, the Revolutionary Guards can easily kill them and no one can do anything about it.”
Ali said Basij members who once hid their affiliation now display it openly. The accounts come against the backdrop of Iran’s long history of violent crackdowns on dissent. Reports indicate that more than 36,500 people were killed during the January crackdown, while international human rights organizations described January 2026 as the deadliest period of repression by Iranian authorities in decades, with deaths rising into the thousands.
Economic collapse drives mass layoffs and unaffordable food prices
The economic pressure is being felt across daily life. Iran already struggled with inflation, currency collapse, corruption and sanctions before the war. Since then, growing economic strain has been reported, with businesses crushed by high prices, supply-chain disruptions, internet blackouts and rising unemployment. Iran’s official statistics center reported annual inflation of 53.7% in April, with food inflation above 115%.
Ali said many young Iranians see almost no path forward. “The economic situation has become so bad that almost all industries are on the verge of collapse and are simply trying to survive,” he said. Many companies have laid off workers, including him. Many of his engineering-student friends have also been laid off. Families can no longer financially support their children. “I see many more older men and women than before who clearly were not garbage collectors but are now searching through trash,” Ali said.
- Almost all young people are convinced they have no future in Iran
- Buying a phone or clothes has become difficult
- Purchasing a car is now considered a dream
- Some days people can barely afford two main meals
- Snacks, fruit and similar items are no longer part of daily life
Milad described a similar picture, saying layoffs, unpaid salaries and rising utility bills are crushing families. “The government is trying to collect more money from people through higher taxes. Utility bills for water, electricity and gas have become extremely expensive,” he said. He said bakeries remain crowded not only because of war fears, but because bread has become one of the only affordable foods left. “Bread has become the main staple on many family tables,” Milad said. Medical costs are extremely high, and many people are afraid to visit a doctor because the costs of medication, tests and treatment are so expensive.
Iranians warn against negotiating with regime or easing pressure
Hassan said the economic pain is bearable only because some Iranians believe it could eventually help bring down the Islamic Republic. “We believe that with the return of a government that truly represents the people, under the leadership of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, economic conditions will improve in the future,” he said. Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s late shah, has lived in exile for decades and has increasingly presented himself as a unifying figure for Iranians seeking a post-Islamic Republic future. His supporters inside and outside Iran argue that any transition should lead to a referendum and a democratic system.
The Iranians who spoke warned the Trump administration against negotiating with the regime or easing pressure too soon. “I would like to tell the Western world that appeasement of the Islamic Republic is futile,” Hassan said. “These are dishonest and deceptive people who, according to their religious beliefs, practice taqiyya in order to deceive others and maneuver their way through difficult situations. These are not people who can be reformed. Appeasement of them is harmful to the entire world.”
Young Iranians directly appeal to Trump administration
Ali said he believes the clerical regime would give up uranium if it allowed its leaders to stay in power. “We only hope that the Islamic Republic falls, whether through war or through an agreement,” Ali said. “The clerics are far too shameless to fight to the death over uranium. They would be willing to hand over the uranium to the United States if it meant staying in power and continuing to plunder Iran.” His message to Washington was direct. “The only message I have for the U.S. government is: save the people of Iran from the clerics and free Iran from the Islamic Republic,” Ali said.
Milad said many Iranians are watching Trump closely and fear another moment when the West chooses negotiation over the people in the streets. “Iranian people have hope that the American administration will be strong and stand on their side,” he said. “We don’t want another Obama situation. Iranian people and their blood are not oil prices. We have one message to the president, and that is to continue,” Milad said. “Here in Iran, we no longer say, ‘Obama, Obama, either with us or with them.’ Now we’re saying: ‘Trump, don’t be Obama. You are with us, not with them. President Trump, stay the course.'”
