Iran’s leadership has shown signs of resilience during the ongoing conflict.
More than 850 pro-government demonstrations and at least 1,400 detentions have been recorded since hostilities began, according to research by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (Acled), as reported by The Guardian.
Analysts say the scale of organised rallies, alongside an expanding crackdown on dissent, shows the durability of the Islamic Republic despite sustained military pressure.
The conflict was triggered by a surprise Israeli strike that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several senior officials. Subsequent attacks targeted key military figures, including Revolutionary Guards naval chief Alireza Tangsiri, who was killed in Bandar Abbas.
Acled data indicates that daily US and Israeli strikes have ranged between 47 and 102, contributing to significant casualties. The group estimates that 1,157 people have been killed inside Iran, including 341 civilians, while Iranian retaliation has caused around 70 deaths.
According to the study, 99.2% of recorded demonstrations were pro-regime, with only one anti-government protest reported. That protest, held on March 25, was met with lethal force, resulting in 10 deaths. Researchers suggest the lack of visible opposition may stem from a combination of nationalist unity, strict suppression, and widespread self-censorship.
The report also highlights a sweeping arrest campaign, with more than 1,400 people detained in under a month on charges ranging from filming damage to espionage.
Experts cited by The Guardian note that state messaging continues to project strength, while highly organised demonstrations reflect structured mobilisation and long-standing ideological conditioning.
Despite early expectations of widespread unrest, analysts say the regime has so far maintained control, even as casualties rise and security measures intensify nationwide.