Reuters, citing three Iranian officials, reported that despite the Islamic Republic’s show-of-force statements following nearly six months of war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the leaders of the Islamic Republic are facing growing internal pressure; pressure, according to these sources, that could lead to nationwide unrest.

To prepare this report, Reuters spoke with three Iranian officials, two people familiar with political circles, a former official of the Islamic Republic, and 12 Iranian citizens. These individuals asked not to have their identities disclosed because they were concerned about retaliatory actions or because they did not have permission to talk with the media.

As written by Reuters, two people familiar and a former official of the Islamic Republic said that for the leaders of the Islamic Republic, the main threat is not only economic pressure, but also the possibility that nationwide unrest could flare up again as living conditions worsen.

Reuters also wrote, quoting a former reformist official, that the appointment of Hossein Taeb as commander of the Basij is one of the clearest signs of the government’s increased concern about the return of nationwide unrest.