Writing daily updates on the protests in Iran now that they have been crushed and the protesters are in limbo, either facing the hell of the regime – or the hell of war.
But today we have news that is good – given the realities. In 2011 or 2012, we met a sympathetic Persian in a “private” high-ceilinged bar overlooking Istanbul. As far as we could tell, it was an initiative that, despite not having the approval of the bureaucracy, was thriving. The bar’s existence was communicated from visitor to visitor, and a kind of confidential friendship developed between the guests. For our part, we met people from the Middle East, Iran, several European countries, China, the USA. And the contact is still maintained.
– We are building shelters
Yesterday, the Persian responded to our anxious enquiry:
– Hi Arnt, we are trying to have a good time. In the shadow of the war and this regime, we have nothing to lose. Only hope keeps us alive.
I don’t know if you’ve heard about the conditions in Iran.
About a month ago, people started to revolt against the regime – and the regime killed more than 70,000 people in the streets! And imprisoned more than 100,000. Everyone knows someone, or knows someone who knows someone, who is affected.
I believe the next phase of the war will begin soon. We are preparing shelters and storing food for those days. It’s like we’re living in 1945.
We pray that the war comes and saves us from these animals! You can’t even imagine what’s happening here, we’re just trying to have as good a time as possible!</p
We don’t have a stable internet connection. Only a few hours a day can we connect via VPN.</p
Greetings your friend…
Numerous Iranians are pleading on social media for us not to forget them
– Dear …
In the West, socialists are doing what they can to trivialise the Islamic regime’s attacks on its own citizens. It doesn’t fit their narrative, they have repressed the fact that when Khomeini came to power, the first thing he did was to hang his socialist supporters from lift cranes.
The conservative Western right, on the other hand, is on the side of the Iranian people. We do our best to remind each other of what you are going through in real time and wish you all the best…
Etc. private correspondence.
We hope in the foreseeable future to be able to bring news that …, his wife and young child, are in the best of health.
There are so many destinies that they become statistics
This series of Iran updates from uncertain social media sources is also in a kind of limbo; the protests have been crushed, Iranian society, and the world too, is in wait-and-see mode; everyone except the Western “progressive” left is waiting and hoping for Donald Trump.
As previously mentioned, there is a lot of recycling of videos on social media, especially of the mullahs’ butchery excesses on 8 and 9 January. In addition, there are new, heartbreaking accounts of individual lives – and none should be forgotten. But there are so many of them that the individual threatens to slip into suffocating statistics.
We will, in consultation with editor Hans, consider whether this column should be maintained on a daily basis now that the situation does not bring crucial news or change significantly from day to day. This does not mean that we will not include some rumours and updates from day 38.
Internal warnings: The fear barrier has been breached and the regime is faltering
– In internal summits, Ali Khamenei has been warned against further escalation. According to Reuters, public anger continues to boil after the violent war against protesters. Senior government officials say the “wall of fear” has fallen – and that an external spark is enough to bring the rebellion back.
A military attack from the US is particularly feared. It could revive the protest movement with uncontrollable consequences. At the same time, the Iranian security services are threatening even harsher repression. And the choice of words is dramatic: A “bloodbath” is anticipated, as people feel they have nothing to lose.
The depth of the anger is demonstrated by the people themselves. A father from Tehran whose 15-year-old son was killed during the protests explained: “If America attacks, he himself will take to the streets – motivated by a desire for revenge.
The regime faces a dilemma: Any escalation could lead to explosions. Stability seems more fragile than ever.
Internal warnings to Khamenei: Fear barrier down – regime teetering
In internal top-level meetings in Iran, supreme leader Ali Khamenei was strongly warned against a new escalation. According to research by Reuters news agency, public anger is simmering after the… pic.twitter.com/RpSJgF0X7V
— Zeev Rosenberg (@zeevrosenberg) February 2, 2026
Tousi TV reports that the Jannat market in Tehran is burning down and that opponents of the IRGC are behind the sabotage actions.
– A large fire has broken out at the Jannat market in western Tehran.
BREAKING:
Massive fire has broken out at the Jannat Market in west Tehran, Iran pic.twitter.com/EJghrRgTd1
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) February 3, 2026
Spells, occult rituals, black magic and symbolic acts
It seems that much of the regime’s resilience, in the face of American military power, is based on incantations, occult rituals, black magic and symbolic acts. In a way, it’s unintentionally comical:
– The Iranian parliament burns an American flag while shouting: “Death to America!”
Iranian Parliament burns an American flag while chanting “Death to America.”
— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) February 3, 2026
The rumours
The Russians have reportedly warned Iran that they will not support them in a conflict with the US.
🚨🇷🇺 BREAKING: President Putin has warned Iran that Russia will not send its forces to defend Iran militarily, even as tensions with the U.S. and region rise. pic.twitter.com/S8X2YIpWuH
— Globe Observer (@_GlobeObserver) February 2, 2026
It is widely reported that the Persians have had enough of the Arabs’ religion:
A newly published video from January shows Iranians in the streets shouting slogans against Islam. “We are tired of your religion! Damn your faith!”
A newly released video from January uprising shows Iranians in the streets chanting against Islam
“We are fed up with your religion!
Curse your beliefs!” pic.twitter.com/irBXvgYxCe— Throwback Iran (@Tarikh_football) February 2, 2026
Let’s hope it’s true
– Erfan Soltani (26), who was sentenced to death a few weeks ago for taking part in anti-regime protests, has been released on bail
.
– According to his family, he is back home
– The case sparked global outrage
– International pressure seems to have worked
🚨 BREAKING
Reports from Iran say Erfan Soltani (26), who was sentenced to death weeks ago for taking part in anti-regime protests, has now been released on bail.
According to his family:
– He is back home
– His case sparked global outrage
– International pressure appears… pic.twitter.com/OkP2A0NiGq— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) February 2, 2026
