Iran Faces Internal Unrest and Senior Leadership Losses Amid Ongoing Airstrikes

Internal instability in Iran has intensified as domestic 'Resistance Units' conducted coordinated actions across multiple cities, including Tehran and Mashhad. Activists reportedly targeted IRGC Basij bases and destroyed symbols of the regime, including posters of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. These internal disruptions coincide with the ongoing military campaign by U.S. and Israeli forces that began in late February, putting further pressure on the Iranian government's ability to maintain domestic order. In a significant blow to the regime's leadership, officials have confirmed the death of Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. Larijani was killed alongside his son and several aides during a March 17 Israeli strike in Pardis, near Tehran. The confirmation came after a 12-hour delay by the Iranian government, following initial Israeli reports of the operation against what was described as a residential site used by high-ranking officials. The humanitarian situation within Iranian prisons has also become a focal point of international concern. Families of political prisoners, such as Swedish-Iranian scientist Ahmadreza Djalali, report heightened fears for the safety of detainees as airstrikes continue. Analysts note that prisoners face a dual threat from the kinetic strikes and potential reprisal actions by the regime as it seeks to quell internal dissent.