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Iranwire – The IRGC Intelligence Organization, coinciding with the 20th day of the war, has sent text messages to citizens’ phones, threatening that their membership in Telegram channels and Instagram pages labeled as “opposition” is under surveillance.
According to information received by IranWire, the IRGC Intelligence Organization sent these SMS alerts to citizens on the 20th day of the conflict. The messages warn that participation in digital spaces deemed hostile to the state is being monitored.
The text message states: “Based on Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code, if your activity continues, you will face judicial prosecution.”
Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code is a broad law regarding “Propaganda against the System.” It is frequently used to criminalize any digital footprint, such as a “like,” “follow,” or “share” that contradicts the state narrative. In the context of the 2026 War, the IRGC is using these SMS “digital air raids” to instill fear and prevent citizens from accessing news about the strikes in Asaluyeh or the F-35 incident from independent sources.
The threat to citizens by security agencies in Iran comes amid reports of continued arrests and the execution of death sentences for citizens and civil activists across various regions of Iran.
Pro-government media outlets report almost daily on the arrest of several citizens on various charges, such as “collaboration with the enemy.”
Some human rights websites and media activists on social media have published reports containing the names of well-known and lesser-known figures, including political and civil activists, media personnel, families seeking justice, ethnic and religious minorities, students, and even medical staff.
“Seeking-justice families” refers to the relatives of those killed by the state in previous protests, like the families of Aidin Samayi or Rouhollah Nadiri. These families are often the first targets of pre-emptive arrests during times of war to prevent them from becoming symbols of resistance.
Simultaneously with the distribution of these warning messages, the IRGC Intelligence Organization has also released a formal statement with the same theme.
Additionally, the Ministry of Intelligence of the Islamic Republic announced on Thursday, March 19 (28 Esfand), that it has identified and arrested 97 individuals whom it labeled “Soldiers of Israel,” claiming to have discovered “various cold weapons” at their residences.
In its statement, this security agency called the detainees “traitorous elements” and claimed they were “networking and preparing for street riots, violent actions, and ‘projected killings,’ especially for the final days of the year under the guidance of the American-Zionist enemy.”
The Ministry of Intelligence provided no details regarding the names or locations of these arrests.
