Iran's Attorney General's Office has warned media outlets and online activists to avoid discussions of the downfall of Tehran's ally Bashar al-Assad in Syria that could undermine domestic security.
The statement, issued Wednesday, emphasized the importance of controlling narratives during what it described as “sensitive internal and regional conditions.”
“Media and online activists in the country should refrain from addressing topics that disrupt the psychological security of society and frighten the public about the situation,” it added.
This announcement follows remarks by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who characterized public discussions about Iran’s weakening position after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in Syria as criminal acts.
“Some do this abroad through Persian-language media, and they must be dealt with differently, but no one inside the country should do this. If someone, in their analysis or statements, speaks in a way that discourages the people, it is a crime and must be addressed,” Khamenei said during his first speech after Assad’s collapse on Wednesday.
This speech by Khamenei, unlike the usual practice of recent years, was not broadcast live on state TV per his office's decision.
Criticism of Iran’s costly support for Assad has surged in recent days, with former officials and commentators questioning the billions spent and thousands of lives lost during Tehran’s involvement in Syria.
The collapse of Assad’s government has undermined Iran’s influence in the region, dealing a blow to what it terms the Resistance Axis, which relies heavily on strategic connections to Hezbollah.
Khamenei, while addressing the Syrian situation, sought to portray resilience and determination. He said that areas in Syria lost to opposition forces would be reclaimed and expressed confidence in the eventual removal of US influence from the region.
However, he also acknowledged potential lapses in Iran’s intelligence communication with Syrian officials.
“Our intelligence apparatus had conveyed warning reports... I do not know if these reports reached high-ranking officials or were lost somewhere in the process,” he said.
The Attorney General’s call to action highlights a renewed focus on controlling internal discourse amid mounting criticism.
In recent years, some critics of Iran’s foreign interventions have faced prison sentences, and the latest directive suggests that Tehran is intensifying efforts to silence dissenting voices.
Western observers, including European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, have framed Assad's downfall as evidence of declining influence for his allies, including Iran.
This crackdown underscores the challenges faced by Iran’s leadership in maintaining its regional aspirations while managing domestic criticism, leaving journalists and activists facing increasing risks for their reporting.
Government officials announced that the closures affecting both public and private institutions will continue through Thursday in several major cities including Tehran, Isfahan and Ahvaz.
The capital Tehran has seen its air quality deteriorate to the point where clean air days accounted for just 15% of the annual total over the past eight years. Nationwide, air pollution contributes to 25,000 deaths each year, according to official statistics.
The economic toll is also heavy, with air pollution costing the country an estimated $12 billion annually.
The crisis is not only disrupting education but also straining the healthcare system. In central Markazi Province, hospital official Behrooz Irannejad reported that 900 patients with respiratory and cardiac issues sought medical care in one city, Arak, between October 22 and December 10 due to pollution.
Davood Mirshekar, an air quality official in southwestern Khuzestan, announced similar closures across the province. In the central city of Isfahan, elementary and middle schools have switched to remote learning due to stagnant air conditions which have left pollution stubbornly in place.
Ahvaz in the south remains the most polluted city in Iran, with 55% of its days classified as polluted.
Sedigheh Torabi, deputy director of the Department of Environment, attributed this to a mix of natural pollutants such as dust storms and human-generated emissions from power plants, industries and waste burning.
A 2017 Clean Air Law designed to tackle air pollution has been largely ignored. Of the 174 obligations assigned to 23 government agencies, less than half have been implemented over seven years.
Critics argue that the government has prioritized social regulations like the controversial hijab law over addressing environmental concerns.
Outdated vehicles and automaker responsibility
Transportation accounts for 60% of Iran’s air pollution, according to Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raeisi.
Eleven million of 12 million motorcycles and 2.5 million of 14 million vehicles are outdated, exacerbating the crisis. The automakers Iran Khodro and Saipa have come under fire for not tightening emissions standards.
A law requiring the replacement of aging vehicles was abandoned during Hassan Rouhani's presidency, aggravating the issue.
While outdated vehicles play a significant role, air pollution persists even during periods of reduced traffic, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests that industrial emissions and low-quality fuels also significantly contribute to the crisis.
Sanctions and government efforts to keep fuel prices low have led to the use of an oil product called naphtha, a cheap but highly polluting alternative.
In May 2024 the government invested $3 billion to produce naphtha.
Reformist newspapers have highlighted the issue, but official data on the extent of its use remains unavailable.
Iran’s use of mazut, a low-quality heavy fuel oil, for energy production has also become a significant environmental and public health concern. Faced with a shortage of natural gas during colder months, Iran has increasingly relied on mazut in its power plants and industries, exacerbating already severe air pollution levels in major cities.
Iran’s air pollution crisis underscores the need for comprehensive reforms. From enforcing environmental laws to modernizing transportation and regulating industrial emissions, the country has yet to address its environmental challenges to protect public health and reduce economic losses.