A distressing incident occurred in Tehran’s metro where sixteen-year-old Armita Geravand suffered severe head trauma.

After being hospitalized, she fell into a coma. This incident has thrust the Iranian regime into a heightened state of alert, prompting intensified security measures. Armita is being cared for in the heavily guarded Fajr military hospital.

Within two days, the regime paraded Armita’s parents on state TV, presenting words of gratitude for their daughter’s treatment and countering rumors. In an unexpected twist, a reporter from the state-run Sharq newspaper was detained after attempting an interview with the parents. She was later released after being warned against jeopardizing “national security” with her journalistic pursuits.

The incident has further drawn attention to the state’s controlled media narrative. A surveillance video from the metro was released, but critics claim it has been manipulated, suggesting an orchestrated effort by the Ministry of Guidance and Culture to control the narrative.

This recent incident is reminiscent of the tragic case of Mahsa Amini, 22, from Saqqez. She fell unconscious after being detained by the “morality police” and passed away three days later, igniting nationwide outrage. It also comes on the heels of the significant 2022 uprising, during which the Iranian populace showcased their deep-rooted grievances and desire for regime change.

Despite the regime’s attempts to quell dissent, it has struggled to maintain control. Highly classified documents revealed by the NCRI Security and Counterterrorism Committee provide insight into the internal challenges faced by the regime, particularly from dissent within its ranks.

While Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei made multiple appeals for unity, increasingly, state officials have distanced themselves from his leadership. The act of turning away from Khamenei gained traction and became a prevalent sentiment.

Historically, the regime has weathered numerous crises, both domestically and internationally. Yet, its recent struggles indicate a diminishing grip on power. Recent campaigns, including attacks on girls’ schools and purges of academic dissenters, underscore the lengths the regime is willing to go to maintain control.

The current situation with Armita Geravand encapsulates the regime’s tenuous position. Once known for executing dissidents in droves, the regime now finds itself in the spotlight, grappling with the fallout from an assault on a single teenager. As Khamenei continues his power posturing on the international stage, he simultaneously faces an internal struggle to maintain legitimacy.

The survival of each brave teenager challenging the regime’s oppressive rules now symbolizes the overall stability of the Iranian clerical establishment. As the regime continues to deploy its security forces throughout the streets, it becomes clear: its grasp on power is more fragile than ever before.

MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu