Iran Launches Sweeping Mass‑Arrest Campaign to Crush Protest Resurgence as U.S.–Tehran Tensions Escalate

Iranian security forces have unleashed a sweeping mass-arrest campaign in recent days in a calculated bid to deter the revival of nationwide protests — a move unfolding as President Donald Trump escalates pressure on the theocratic regime.

In a sweeping nationwide crackdown that has stunned Western observers and rights groups alike, Iranian authorities have detained tens of thousands of civilians across the country in what has been described as a calculated effort to preempt renewed protests — a move that denies Washington a strategic pressure point it had anticipated activating by encouraging unrest.

Security forces — many in civilian clothing — have reportedly targeted regime critics, doctors, and even family members of former activists in late-night raids across Tehran and other cities —