Iranian leaders are increasingly worried: a possible US military strike could lead the already enraged population to take to the streets again in large-scale protests
This could weaken or even topple the Islamic regime, according to six people who work or have worked in the government (some still in current positions, others former officials).
In recent months, there has been a large wave of anti-government demonstrations in Iran.
The repression has been very violent-the bloodiest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Thousands have died or been injured when security forces used lethal force to quell the protests.
In important meetings, advisors warned the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, that the people’s anger has reached a point where fear no longer deters anyone.
Many Iranians are ready to confront the police and the army again.
If there is a US attack (even a small and limited one), it could embolden the population and cause enormous damage to the political system.
One of these sources stated: “An attack, coupled with demonstrations by angry people, could lead to the collapse of the regime.
This is the greatest fear of the top leaders.
And that is exactly what Iran’s enemies want.”
This is important because it demonstrates that, internally, the government has doubts and fear-contrary to what it publicly states, where it appears firm against the protests and against the US.
Change of scenario
In June of last year, there were attacks by Israel and the US against the Iranian nuclear program, but the population did not take to the streets to protest against the government at the time.
Now, the situation is different.
After the brutal repression in January, a former high-ranking official (with a more moderate view) declared: “The people are extremely angry.
The wall of fear has crumbled.
There is no more fear.”
Tensions between Iran and the US are high.
An American aircraft carrier and other warships have arrived in the Middle East, giving President Donald Trump more options to attack if he wishes.
Trump has already threatened to intervene due to the violence against protesters.
Even former President Hassan Rouhani (who was once a moderate) stated that the regime needs to make profound and serious reforms to meet the demands of the people.
If it only makes small changes, new protests could return in a few days, months, or at most two or three months.
A hardline MP responded by attacking Rouhani, saying that the “great reform” would be to arrest and execute him.
Other long-time opponents (who were once part of the system but broke with it) also warn: the people’s anger is boiling and could bring everything down.
A former Prime Minister, Mir-Hossein Mousavi (who has been under house arrest since 2011), wrote that “the game is over” and that the people can no longer tolerate the regime’s lies.
A former speaker of parliament, Mehdi Karroubi, blamed Khamenei for poor domestic and foreign policies (such as the expensive nuclear program and sanctions that have harmed the country).
He said the only peaceful way out is to recognize the people’s right to decide their future in a free referendum.
Current situation
The streets are calm for now, but dissatisfaction remains strong: a poor economy, political repression, corruption, great inequality between rich and poor.
Many people feel trapped.
Experts say that if the protests return (especially with external pressure, such as an American attack), people will be more courageous because they have already been through the experience and feel they have nothing left to lose.
Some sources warn: if the regime is attacked by the US and responds with even more violence, there could be a bloodbath.
A Tehran resident, whose 15-year-old son was killed in the protests, said that the protesters only wanted a normal life and were met with bullets.
She declared: “If the United States attacks, I will return to the streets to avenge my son and the children the regime killed.”
Khamenei’s Opinion
Recently, the Supreme Leader compared the protesters to Islamic State terrorists, saying they burned people alive, beheaded them, and committed similar atrocities.
He calls the protests “sedition” (rebellion) and claims they were organized by the US and the “Zionists” (Israel).
The Iranian government blames “armed terrorists” linked to Israel and the US for the violence and does not take responsibility for the deaths.
In short: the regime is nervous because it knows the people are very angry after the repression.
An external attack could be the trigger for a larger revolt, which would jeopardize the entire system.
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— Israel is Real?????? (@IIsraelisReal) February 2, 2026
The iranian regime fears that a us attack could reignite protests and threaten its power.#Iran
Iranian leaders are increasingly worried: a possible US military strike could lead the already enraged population to take to the streets again in large-scale protests pic.twitter.com/SOp7boxm1a
Published in 02/02/2026 22h46
Text adapted by AI (Grok) and translated via Google API in the English version. Images from public image libraries or credits in the caption.
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