In the wake of initial airstrikes from Israel and the United States hitting Iran, members of the Revolutionary Guard have dispersed throughout neighborhoods in Tehran and many urban centers across the country. Eyewitness accounts and sporadic videos shared discreetly online depict plainclothes men, often armed with Kalashnikov rifles, establishing checkpoints where they scan vehicles and phones, vigilant for any signs of support for the war. Additionally, police vehicles for riot control were strategically parked in areas, such as schoolyards, deemed less likely to be targeted by missiles.

Experts note that this increase in military presence serves a dual purpose: externally, it creates a perception of control, while internally, it instills fear to discourage public protests or gatherings. Saeid Golkar, a political science professor at the University of Tennessee, emphasized that the regime is aiming to maintain an illusion of power amidst external pressures. He mentioned that the strategy appears to be more about intimidation than actual military readiness against foreign attacks.

In a contrasting narrative, former President Donald Trump suggested that the Revolutionary Guard should disarm to amplify popular support for regime change in Iran. Analysts consider this scenario highly improbable given the current political climate and the Guard's integral role in maintaining the Iranian regime’s stability. The article highlights the complex interplay between military aggression from abroad and the domestic response within Iran, showcasing the Revolutionary Guard's significant influence over national security and internal governance.