Iran cracks down on critical voices amid Syrian fallout

Iran's Attorney General's Office has warned media outlets and online activists to avoid discussions of the downfall of Tehran's ally Bashar al-Assad in Syria that could undermine domestic security.

The statement, issued Wednesday, emphasized the importance of controlling narratives during what it described as “sensitive internal and regional conditions.”

“Media and online activists in the country should refrain from addressing topics that disrupt the psychological security of society and frighten the public about the situation,” it added.

This announcement follows remarks by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who characterized public discussions about Iran’s weakening position after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in Syria as criminal acts.

“Some do this abroad through Persian-language media, and they must be dealt with differently, but no one inside the country should do this. If someone, in their analysis or statements, speaks in a way that discourages the people, it is a crime and must be addressed,” Khamenei said during his first speech after Assad’s collapse on Wednesday.

This speech by Khamenei, unlike the usual practice of recent years, was not broadcast live on state TV per his office's decision.

Criticism of Iran’s costly support for Assad has surged in recent days, with former officials and commentators questioning the billions spent and thousands of lives lost during Tehran’s involvement in Syria.

The collapse of Assad’s government has undermined Iran’s influence in the region, dealing a blow to what it terms the Resistance Axis, which relies heavily on strategic connections to Hezbollah.

Khamenei, while addressing the Syrian situation, sought to portray resilience and determination. He said that areas in Syria lost to opposition forces would be reclaimed and expressed confidence in the eventual removal of US influence from the region.

However, he also acknowledged potential lapses in Iran’s intelligence communication with Syrian officials.

“Our intelligence apparatus had conveyed warning reports... I do not know if these reports reached high-ranking officials or were lost somewhere in the process,” he said.

The Attorney General’s call to action highlights a renewed focus on controlling internal discourse amid mounting criticism.

In recent years, some critics of Iran’s foreign interventions have faced prison sentences, and the latest directive suggests that Tehran is intensifying efforts to silence dissenting voices.

Western observers, including European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, have framed Assad's downfall as evidence of declining influence for his allies, including Iran.

This crackdown underscores the challenges faced by Iran’s leadership in maintaining its regional aspirations while managing domestic criticism, leaving journalists and activists facing increasing risks for their reporting.