Amid escalating tensions with the United States and the ongoing conflict, Iranian authorities are tightening their grip on domestic security. In Tehran, the government is taking a harder stance against perceived threats to its control, from alleged spies to crowds of young people. This comes as authorities have warned of severe penalties for protests against the regime and have increased surveillance in public spaces following months of relaxed restrictions on attire. The Iranian authorities seem determined to uphold the principles of the Islamic Republic amid eight months of war and potential US attacks, having mobilized supporters dedicated to the continuity of the government. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is among these supporters, a military entity established to safeguard the principles of the 1979 Islamic revolution. Iranian authorities have historically employed harsh punishments to deter dissent, with the ongoing war only serving to accelerate this process. On Sunday, three young men were executed for allegedly attacking government offices and damaging public property in nationwide protests earlier this year. The authorities consider these anti-government protests as an attempt by terrorists affiliated with the US and Israel to stage a coup. However, an independent United Nations fact-finding mission found the authorities committed crimes against humanity during a violent crackdown on protesters in January. Foreign-based rights organizations claim many political cases leading to executions are marred by allegations of torture, forced confessions, and violations of due process. This year, Iran's government has executed at least 79 political or religious prisoners, including 40 people arrested during the January protests. In response to the continued conflict, authorities have been selective in their enforcement of laws on social issues such as mandatory headscarves, alcohol consumption, and drug use, partly to distract the public from political activism. However, there are signs that authorities are now cracking down on perceived opposition to the principles of Iran's theocracy, with incidents such as the dispersal of crowds celebrating Halloween in Tehran and the establishment of pro-government stations and booths on popular gathering spots for young Iranians. These developments suggest a shift towards increased repression of political freedom and antiregime uprisings as the war continues.