NEWS CENTER – As mass protests against the economic crisis continue in Iran, citizens have received threatening text messages stating, “Your participation in illegal gatherings has been monitored by intelligence,” and “advising” them not to take part in protests.

 

Protests that began with shopkeepers have spread across Iran. In many cities, citizens are taking to the streets against the deepening economic crisis, mounting debt and the rapid rise in foreign exchange rates. In several locations, Iranian security forces opened fire on protesters, many people were injured and numerous others were detained.

 

Alongside street-level repression and violence, Iran’s intelligence services have also resorted to digital intimidation. Citizens who participated in demonstrations, or whose mobile phones connected to base stations near protest sites, were sent warning messages urging them to refrain from further participation.

 

The message sent to citizens reads as follows: “Your participation in the illegal gatherings on 10/08/1404 (29/12/2025) has been monitored by intelligence. Therefore, you and your relatives are strongly advised to refrain from taking part in such illegal gatherings desired by the enemy. IDARK Intelligence Organization.”