The reported crackdown came amid widespread protests in Iran, as authorities faced growing public anger and unrest.
Iranian security forces used mosques across Tehran as bases to deploy personnel, monitor protesters and confront demonstrators during a deadly crackdown in January, according to evidence obtained by Iran International. The report said security personnel discussed deploying forces and equipment inside Imam Hossein Mosque, which Iran International geolocated to the intersection of Sattari Highway and Mokhbari Street in western Tehran. Witnesses said security personnel positioned outside some mosques engaged protesters before forces inside emerged to beat and arrest demonstrators, according to Iran International. The evidence, the report said, suggests that some mosques functioned not merely as places of worship or gathering, but as operational bases from which security forces monitored and confronted protesters. They know who they are,” Bessent said.
Witnesses described security activity around the mosque after electricity was cut in the area, while surveillance drones flew overhead. “We are level-setting with every country to tell them our expectations. We know who they are.