Checkpoints staffed by security personnel and volunteers have proliferated across the capital since the conflict began, initially marked by military vehicles and road barriers. While some visible fortifications have been scaled back following recent airstrikes, residents say patrols remain widespread, with teenagers now playing an increasingly prominent role.

Witness accounts describe adolescents aged 13 to 14 manning checkpoints, stopping vehicles and conducting searches. A 28-year-old resident told AFP that she was stopped at two checkpoints in northern Tehran, where teenage boys carrying weapons inspected her phone and personal belongings without consent, calling the encounter intrusive.

Another resident said that beyond formal military checkpoints, groups of youths in private vehicles were independently stopping cars, opening doors and checking dashboards and mobile devices.Authorities have acknowledged lowering the minimum age for Basij recruitment to 12, citing high levels of interest among younger volunteers.

Rahim Nadali, an official with the Revolutionary Guards in Tehran, said on state television that the decision reflected demand from children seeking to participate in defense efforts.The Basij, an auxiliary force under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has historically played a central role in internal security operations.

It was also reported to have been involved in suppressing anti-government protests in January, during which thousands were killed.The expanded use of minors has drawn concern from rights groups and analysts. Some observers interpret the move as an indication of manpower shortages, while others see it as a sign of a more hardline approach by authorities seeking to consolidate control amid external and internal pressures.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, urged supporters to maintain a presence on the streets, framing domestic mobilization as part of a broader strategic effort alongside military and maritime pressures, including tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts say the intensified street presence is aimed at deterring potential unrest, particularly after calls from U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu encouraging opposition activity at the outset of the war.

In addition to checkpoint duties, pro-government groups have organized nighttime patrols, using vehicles equipped with loudspeakers to broadcast slogans and display flags in residential areas.

Hamidreza Azizi, a visiting fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, said the government was increasingly reliant on a core base of ideologically committed supporters to maintain order. He noted that this strategy reflects deeper challenges to the state’s legitimacy but has proven effective in sustaining control during wartime conditions.

Human Rights Watch said the recruitment of children under 15 for military roles could constitute a war crime under international law and warned that their deployment exposes them to heightened risks, including potential targeting in military strikes.

Bill Van Esveld, the group’s associate director for children’s rights, said the policy suggested authorities were willing to endanger minors to bolster security capacity.

The statement, issued by Iran’s foreign ministry and shared with IMO member states and non-governmental organizations, said vessels that do not “participate in or support acts of aggression” against Iran would be permitted safe passage through the strategic waterway, subject to adherence to safety and security regulations.

However, it specified that vessels, equipment, and assets belonging to what it described as “aggressor parties” including the United States and Israel would not qualify for what it termed “innocent or non-hostile passage.

”Iran said responsibility for any disruption or escalation in the Strait of Hormuz lay with Washington and Tel Aviv, accusing them of waging an “unlawful and destabilising war” that has heightened risks to international shipping and regional stability.

The statement reflects Tehran’s position as tensions remain elevated following the outbreak of war triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, has been effectively closed since the escalation, contributing to sharp increases in global oil and gas prices.

Iran’s conditional reopening for select vessels introduces limited operational clarity for commercial shipping, though the exclusion of U.S. and Israeli-linked assets underscores the continuing strategic and geopolitical risks in the region.

Sharif, writing on social media platform X, said Pakistan would be “ready and honoured” to facilitate “meaningful and conclusive talks” for a comprehensive settlement, subject to agreement by Washington and Tehran.

His statement comes as the war, involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks, entered its fourth week.Trump said on Monday that U.S. officials had engaged in “very good and productive” discussions with Iran over a “complete and total resolution of hostilities in the Middle East.”

He added that talks began on Sunday and continued into Monday, involving Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner.

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf rejected the U.S. account, saying no talks had taken place and describing reports of negotiations as “fake news,” according to Iranian state-linked statements and sources familiar with the matter.

The divergence underscores the opacity surrounding diplomatic efforts as fighting continues across the region.

The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, citing a lack of progress in negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme. Mediator Oman had previously indicated that significant advances had been made in earlier discussions.

Since the strikes, Iran has responded with missile attacks and expanded its actions beyond Israeli territory, targeting countries hosting U.S. bases and striking Gulf energy infrastructure.

The conflict has disrupted global energy markets, with Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies transit.

The escalation has heightened concerns over supply stability and increased geopolitical risk across the Middle East, prompting renewed international calls for de-escalation through diplomatic channels.

In a social media post, Trump said the United States would “hit and obliterate” Iranian power infrastructure if the strait was not “fully open, without threat” within the deadline, broadening the potential scope of U.S. military action to include civilian-linked facilities.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime corridor through which roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows. Ongoing threats and disruptions have deterred shipping traffic, with the near-blockade triggering a surge in European gas prices of up to 35% last week.Energy markets have remained volatile as the risk to Gulf infrastructure intensifies.

The situation worsened after Iran responded to an Israeli strike on one of its major gas fields by targeting Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar, a key hub processing a significant share of the world’s liquefied natural gas. Damage from the strike is expected to take years to repair, according to reports.

Iran warns of broader retaliationIran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters said on Sunday that any U.S. attack on its fuel and energy infrastructure would prompt retaliatory strikes on American energy, information technology and desalination assets across the region.

The exchange of threats underscores a widening confrontation that increasingly targets economic and civilian-linked infrastructure, raising the stakes for regional stability and global supply chains.Israeli officials said Iran had fired long-range missiles for the first time since hostilities intensified on February 28, expanding the potential reach of the conflict.

According to Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir, Iran launched two ballistic missiles with a range of about 4,000 km at the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean.Zamir said the missiles’ range extended beyond the Middle East, placing European capitals within potential reach.

A source at Britain’s defense ministry said the attack occurred before London granted specific authorization on Friday for the United States to use British bases for strikes on Iranian missile sites.

The developments mark a significant expansion in both the geographic scope and strategic targets of the conflict, with direct implications for international energy flows and military alignments.

In comments shared in a video that resurfaced online, the minister said “anyone here who is more loyal to Iran than to Bahrain should rely on Allah and leave,” adding that those who prioritise ties to Iran should “leave and settle down” there. The remarks come as Bahrain and neighbouring Gulf countries face continued missile and drone attacks from Iran in a conflict that escalated following tensions with the United States on Feb. 28.

Iran has launched strikes not only on Israel but also on multiple Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, according to official statements and regional reporting. The attacks have targeted both military and civilian infrastructure across the region. Bahrain has reported damage to sites including areas near the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, underscoring the proximity of strategic assets to the conflict.

The United Arab Emirates has also reported sustained strikes, with its defence ministry citing hundreds of missiles and drones launched since late February. The widening scope of the conflict has raised concerns among Gulf governments about both external threats and internal vulnerabilities.

The minister’s remarks follow heightened concern among Gulf authorities over domestic security and alleged links between Iran and networks operating within the region. Regional security reporting has pointed to concerns about covert cells providing intelligence or operational support, including relaying coordinates or documenting strike locations.

Bahraini authorities have long accused Iran of backing militant groups and fomenting unrest in the kingdom. The issue of national loyalty has remained a sensitive topic in Bahrain, particularly during periods of heightened regional tension.

Bahrain has experienced episodes of unrest in the past, and officials have repeatedly emphasised national unity during times of geopolitical strain. Since the outbreak of hostilities, Gulf states have tightened security measures and reinforced public messaging as they respond to the expanding conflict, which has disrupted energy flows and heightened geopolitical risks across the region.

In the statement, Pezeshkian said Iran had attempted to avoid war through diplomatic engagement with neighbouring governments but that recent military actions by the United States and Israel had forced Tehran to act in self-defence. “We have strived alongside you and through diplomacy to avoid war, but the American-Zionist military aggression has left us no choice but to defend ourselves,” he wrote.

The Iranian president addressed the message to what he described as “friendly and neighboring states,” stressing that Tehran respects the sovereignty of countries across the Middle East. He added that regional security and stability should be achieved collectively by states in the region rather than through outside intervention.

Iranian officials have repeatedly framed their military posture in recent months as defensive, arguing that the country is responding to external threats. Pezeshkian’s remarks reflect Tehran’s long-standing position that regional security arrangements should be managed by Middle Eastern governments themselves.

The message appeared aimed at reassuring neighbouring governments that Iran’s response would not threaten their territorial sovereignty while also signalling that Tehran considers recent military actions against it to justify retaliation under self-defence.

In a public message, Trump said time was running out for diplomacy and stressed that the United States would not tolerate Iran pursuing nuclear weapons. He framed negotiations as the only viable path forward, warning that failure to act would bring consequences far worse than previous military actions.

Trump referred to earlier strikes carried out last year as a clear signal of US resolve. He suggested that Tehran should view those attacks as a warning rather than an isolated episode, emphasizing that future responses would be more forceful if Iran ignored US demands.

Iran reacted swiftly, rejecting the tone of the warning while insisting it remained open to dialogue under certain conditions. Officials said Iran would defend itself vigorously if attacked, arguing that threats and military pressure would not force it into submission.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations pushed back by recalling past US military interventions in the region. It highlighted the heavy financial and human costs of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, suggesting that confrontation had historically brought little stability or benefit.

Tehran’s foreign ministry also indicated that no recent talks had taken place with US envoys and denied requesting negotiations. Iranian officials stressed that any dialogue would need to be based on mutual respect rather than pressure or ultimatums.

The situation has been further complicated by the movement of US naval forces into the Middle East. American officials confirmed that a carrier strike group had arrived in the region, a move widely seen as a show of force amid rising tensions.

Washington says the deployment is meant to deter escalation and protect US interests and allies. Iran, however, views the presence of additional US military assets as provocative and indicative of hostile intentions.

Tensions between the two countries have also been fueled by recent unrest inside Iran. Protests over economic hardship and political repression drew international attention, with Trump repeatedly condemning Tehran’s response and warning of possible intervention.

Although large scale demonstrations have subsided, the crackdown has left deep scars and contributed to worsening relations. US officials have linked their hardline stance partly to concerns over human rights and internal stability in Iran.

Trump has consistently argued that his administration will act decisively if Iran resumes activities linked to nuclear weapons development. He has pointed to earlier airstrikes on nuclear facilities as evidence that threats are not merely rhetorical.

Iranian leaders maintain that their nuclear program is peaceful and accuse Washington of undermining diplomacy by withdrawing from previous agreements. They argue that sanctions and military pressure have only deepened mistrust and hardened positions on both sides.

Regional analysts warn that the exchange of threats increases the risk of miscalculation. With military forces in close proximity and diplomatic channels limited, even minor incidents could escalate rapidly.

At the same time, some observers believe the rhetoric is intended to force negotiations rather than trigger conflict. Trump has often used strong language as leverage, while Iran has historically balanced defiance with selective engagement.

The coming weeks may prove decisive in determining whether the standoff moves toward talks or further confrontation. Both sides face domestic and international pressures that could shape their next steps.

As uncertainty grows, global markets and regional governments are watching closely. Any escalation between the United States and Iran would have far reaching implications for security, energy supplies and diplomatic stability across the Middle East.

US officials have reiterated that all options remain on the table in dealing with Tehran, underscoring concerns over Iran’s internal stability, its regional activities, and the potential implications for broader Middle East security. The movement of a major US naval asset is widely viewed as both a signal of deterrence and a message of preparedness, aimed at reinforcing American presence amid uncertainty.

Saudi sources have firmly denied any attempts to influence decision-making in Washington regarding possible action against Iran. Officials in Riyadh have rejected reports suggesting that the Kingdom advised the US against military strikes, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia is closely monitoring developments without lobbying for a specific outcome. This stance reflects a careful diplomatic posture as regional actors seek to avoid further escalation.

A senior Saudi official based in the United States described claims of Saudi intervention in US policy debates as inaccurate, stressing that Riyadh has not sought to steer Washington’s response. The official highlighted that the Kingdom’s priority remains regional stability and the reduction of risks that could spill across borders in an already volatile environment.

Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir, speaking earlier this week at a major business conference, acknowledged the gravity of the situation in Iran. While refraining from commenting directly on potential military action, he noted that the international community is watching events unfold very closely and expressed hope that tensions could be resolved in a way that minimizes damage and disruption.

Saudi analysts have echoed this position, emphasizing that Riyadh is not actively lobbying either for or against a strike. Commentator Ali Shihabi stated that Saudi Arabia has not taken part in discussions advocating military action, reinforcing the message that the Kingdom is maintaining a cautious and observant role as events develop.

At the same time, regional commentary has pointed to Iran’s own decisions as a critical factor in determining the path forward. Some analysts argue that Tehran holds the key to avoiding further escalation by addressing core issues related to its nuclear program and its external activities. Such steps, they suggest, could reduce the likelihood of foreign intervention at a moment of intense internal pressure.

The current unrest within Iran has been described by regional observers as one of the most serious challenges the Islamic Republic has faced in decades. Protests driven by economic hardship and political grievances have spread across the country, placing the leadership under unprecedented strain. Combined with external pressure, this has created a situation many describe as a defining moment for the regime.

As Washington deliberates its next steps, the broader Middle East remains on edge. Any decision by the US could have far-reaching consequences, affecting regional security, energy markets, and diplomatic relations. Allies and adversaries alike are assessing signals from Washington, Tehran, and other key capitals, aware that miscalculation could trigger wider instability.

For now, anticipation dominates the regional mood. With US military assets moving into position and diplomatic statements carefully calibrated, the coming days are likely to prove critical. Whether the situation de-escalates through restraint and dialogue or intensifies through confrontation will depend on choices made in multiple capitals, as the region waits for clarity on Washington’s ultimate course of action.

Calm has returned to several major cities even as sporadic unrest and arrests continue in some regions.

Demonstrations first erupted in late December after rising inflation and economic pressure fueled public anger.

The unrest quickly evolved into one of the most serious challenges faced by Iran’s leadership in recent years.

Residents in Tehran said the capital has remained largely quiet since the beginning of the week.

They reported a strong security presence and surveillance drones patrolling key areas of the city.

Shops in the Grand Bazaar reopened and daily life appeared to resume under close monitoring.

Several residents said they had not witnessed public protests for several consecutive days.

A Norway based Iranian Kurdish rights group said protest gatherings have largely stopped since Sunday.

The group described the security environment as extremely restrictive across protest hit regions.

According to the rights group security forces have been deployed heavily in cities that saw earlier unrest.

Troop movements were also reported in locations that had not previously experienced major demonstrations.

Information from inside Iran remains limited due to internet disruptions and restrictions on media access.

This has made independent verification of events difficult for outside observers.

In northern cities near the Caspian Sea residents also reported calm streets and limited movement.

People declined to give their names citing fear of reprisals from authorities.

Despite the apparent lull reports of isolated unrest have continued to surface.

The rights group said a female nurse was killed by direct gunfire during protests in Karaj.

That report could not be independently verified but has heightened concerns over the use of force.

State affiliated media acknowledged incidents of violence including arson attacks on public buildings.

One such incident involved a local education office being set on fire in central Isfahan province.

Officials described those involved as rioters and vowed continued security operations.

In Iran’s northwest where Kurdish communities are concentrated sporadic demonstrations were still reported.

An elderly resident said protests were smaller and less intense than earlier clashes.

She described earlier scenes of violence as unprecedented in her lifetime.

Fear and exhaustion were cited as reasons many protesters have stayed off the streets.

International pressure has also played a role in recent developments.

Concerns of possible foreign military intervention briefly escalated tensions this week.

U.S. President Donald Trump had warned of grave consequences if killings continued.

Those fears eased after signals that the intensity of the crackdown had reduced.

White House officials said the situation was being closely monitored.

They also said hundreds of scheduled executions had reportedly been halted.

Regional allies including Gulf states engaged in urgent diplomacy to avoid escalation.

They warned that military conflict would destabilize the wider Middle East region.

Iran’s economy remains under severe strain due to long standing sanctions.

Rising prices and unemployment continue to fuel public frustration beneath the surface.

Analysts say the calm may be temporary rather than a full resolution.

Underlying grievances remain unresolved despite the visible security clampdown.

Human rights groups have urged transparency and restraint from authorities.

They have also called for accountability over deaths and arrests during protests.

For now streets remain quieter but tension lingers across the country.

Many Iranians fear renewed unrest could erupt if economic conditions worsen.

The recent capture of Venezuela’s long-time leader Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces has sent shockwaves through Tehran, reinforcing anxieties about Washington’s willingness to directly intervene against governments it deems hostile.

For Iranian leaders already struggling to contain protests driven by economic hardship and political frustration, the episode has sharpened concerns that external pressure could escalate at a volatile moment.

Demonstrations that began in late December over rising prices and declining living standards have spread beyond Tehran into several cities, reflecting anger over inflation, corruption, and long-term mismanagement.

Although the protests remain smaller than the mass unrest seen in 2022 and 2023, their rapid expansion into openly political slogans has unsettled the authorities.

Chants calling for an end to clerical rule and targeting the country’s top leadership signal a deeper challenge to the system rather than isolated economic grievances.

The government’s response has been shaped by overlapping crises, including a battered economy and heightened geopolitical tensions with the United States and Israel.

Iran’s economy has been under strain for years due to sanctions, but the situation worsened after last year’s military strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities.

Those attacks, which killed senior security figures and scientists, disrupted already fragile negotiations with Washington over Iran’s nuclear program.

Within this context, statements from U.S. President Donald Trump warning that Washington would intervene if protesters were violently suppressed have amplified unease in Tehran.

Officials privately acknowledge that the swift U.S. action in Venezuela has narrowed Iran’s room for manoeuvre and increased the perceived risks of a heavy-handed crackdown.

Some within the Iranian establishment fear their country could become the next target of an aggressive U.S. foreign policy that prioritizes decisive action over diplomatic restraint.

Iran’s leadership has long viewed Venezuela as a kindred partner, united by shared opposition to U.S. sanctions and pressure.

Tehran has condemned Washington’s move in Caracas as a violation of sovereignty and an example of dangerous interventionism.

At the same time, officials are wary that the message sent by Maduro’s capture could embolden protesters or weaken confidence among Iran’s security forces.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has responded by accusing foreign enemies of exploiting economic grievances to destabilize the country.

While authorities have attempted to distinguish between peaceful economic protests and what they describe as violent unrest, clashes with security forces have already resulted in fatalities.

Rights groups report that at least 17 people have been killed, while the government says members of the security services have also died and dozens have been injured.

The leadership is trying to preserve a sense of national unity that briefly emerged after last year’s military confrontation with Israel and the United States.

However, sustaining that unity has proven difficult as daily economic pressures continue to erode public patience.

Inflation remains high, the national currency has lost significant value, and wages have failed to keep pace with rising living costs.

Even state media have acknowledged the role of corruption, inequality, and policy failures in driving popular anger.

President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for dialogue and promised reforms aimed at stabilizing the financial system and protecting purchasing power.

The government has announced limited relief measures, including electronic food credits for households, offering modest support to lower-income families.

For many Iranians, these steps provide some relief but fall short of addressing deeper structural problems.

On the streets, heavy security deployments signal the leadership’s determination to prevent protests from spiraling out of control.

Yet the broader challenge remains unresolved: balancing domestic stability with the risk of provoking external intervention.

As Iran’s leaders navigate unrest at home and uncertainty abroad, the combination of economic strain, political dissent, and geopolitical pressure has created one of the most complex tests the Islamic Republic has faced in recent years.