Security Crackdown in Iranian Cities Following February 16 Nationwide Call

Following the February 16 nationwide call, a heavy security presence was imposed across various Iranian cities.

Yesterday’s call for February 16 alarmed government officials, prompting a security crackdown across different Iranian cities from the start of the day. The event began at 6 PM and in some cities at 8 PM. As darkness fell, anti-regime slogans could be heard chanted by protesters.

This call, coinciding with the fortieth day commemoration of “Mohammad Hosseini” and “Mohammad Mahdi Karami,” took place in the cities of Arak, Izeh (Kian Piroozi), Mashhad, Gorgan, Isfahan, Ahvaz, Shiraz, Nosushirvani Industrial University of Babol, Sanandaj Technical Girls University, Kurdistan University, Bushehr schools, Piranshahr, Mahabad, Qazvin, Kermanshah, Mahallati, Khavaran University, Isfahan Industrial University, Najafabad, Baluchestan, Zanjan, Gilan, Varamin, Hormozgan, Golshahr Karaj, Mazandaran, Kashan, Anzali, and Firouzabad.

In Tehran, protesters took to the streets in various areas including Haft Hoz Narmak, Seadet Abad, Sadeghieh, Tehranpars, Tehransar, and Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, chanting “We are Cyrus’s children, we will take each of you down.” Tehran’s streets, particularly the Grand Bazaar, were filled with special forces units and plainclothes officers, creating a heavy security atmosphere that reflected the Islamic Republic’s fear of people’s unity.

The revolutionary uprising and popular unity, which seemed unimaginable to the Islamic Republic government, have created this security atmosphere.

Special forces vehicles were also deployed at the entrance of “Bahar Ali” Cemetery in Ashtar, Karaj—where Mohammad Hosseini’s body is buried—creating a security perimeter.

Many citizens on social media shared images of Mohammad Mahdi Karami and Mohammad Hosseini, lit candles on the occasion of their fortieth day commemoration, prepared food, distributed it among people, and introduced themselves as the family of these two deceased individuals.

The Iranian people also announced that the end days are near and they will continue to stand until victory and will continue these calls.