The Iranian government has begun implementing wide-ranging emergency measures to strengthen supplies of essential goods and ensure the continuity of state institutions, amid growing fears of new US or Israeli attacks on the country. This comes alongside unprecedented military build-ups in the Middle East and secret diplomatic talks aimed at preventing a confrontation that could slide into a full-scale war.
According to Iranian state media, President Masoud Pezeshkian issued directives during a meeting held on Tuesday with governors of border provinces, ordering efforts to “eliminate excessive bureaucracy and accelerate the import of essential goods”. The move was described as an unprecedented delegation of authority to local administrations.
Pezeshkian said during the meeting, “We are transferring authority to the provinces so that governors can directly contact the judiciary and officials in other organisations and make decisions themselves.”
Local media explained that these measures allow governors to oversee “imports without foreign currency” through alternative mechanisms, including barter arrangements with neighbouring countries, bypassing previous procedures.
Pezeshkian stressed that the decision would “neutralise a significant amount of pressure resulting from unjust sanctions imposed to harm people’s livelihoods”.
Fears of Assassinations and State Paralysis
These steps come amid rising concerns in Tehran over the possibility of targeting prominent political and military figures, including senior leadership. This has prompted the government to distribute powers to ensure the continuity of the state in the event of assassinations.
Last June, the Israeli occupation targeted dozens of Iranian military commanders in an opening strike during a 12-day confrontation. Tehran acknowledged at the time that the operation left the Iranian leadership in a state of “shock”.
US Escalation and Military Build-Up in the Region
In parallel, US President Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric in recent weeks, warning of the possibility of launching an attack on Iran. He said last week that he had sent a “fleet” of naval forces towards the region, if military action becomes necessary”.
On Monday, US Central Command announced the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the Middle East. The carrier is equipped with F 35 and F A 18 fighter jets, electronic warfare aircraft, and is escorted by guided missile destroyers.
US media reported that Washington has also reinforced its air presence by deploying a squadron of F-15 aircraft to Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, amid the refusal of Gulf states to allow their airspace or bases to be used for an attack on Iran.
Strike Options Under Consideration
The website Middle East Eye quoted a well-informed Gulf official as saying that the United States is considering carrying out precise strikes targeting Iranian officials and commanders described as “high value”, whom Washington holds responsible for the killing of protesters during recent demonstrations.
The site reported that strikes could begin at any moment, amid what it described as “chaotic” discussions within the US administration regarding the consequences of any attack and the likelihood of an Iranian response.
A former US intelligence official told the website that Trump has not abandoned the idea of “regime change” in Tehran, and that the recent de-escalation may be temporary.
Iranian Warnings and Possible Responses
In response, Iranian political and military figures have warned that any US attack would be met with a direct response, potentially including strikes against the Israeli occupation and US bases in the region. They stressed that any attempt to assassinate Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would be considered “a declaration of total war”.
Iran had previously responded to US strikes on its nuclear sites in June by attacking the US Al Udeid base in Qatar after prior notification, resulting in limited damage.
However, experts have warned that any new attack, amid widespread protests inside Iran, could be perceived as an existential threat to the system. This could push Tehran towards a far more forceful response, including closing the Strait of Hormuz or targeting multiple US bases.
Internal Protests and a Suffocating Economic Crisis
Iran continues to suffer from the aftermath of violent protests described as the most severe since the 1979 revolution, which resulted in the deaths of thousands.
The internet shutdown imposed since 8 January remains largely in place, with connectivity still weak even through virtual private networks.
In an attempt to reassure the public, Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati said that approximately 2.25 billion US dollars had circulated in recent weeks, suggesting a gradual return of stability, despite the Iranian currency losing around 40% of its value after the June confrontation.
Diplomacy in the Shadows and Secret Talks
In this context, the newspaper Israel Hayom reported that Iran and the United States are holding secret talks mediated by Oman and Qatar, and possibly Türkiye, to discuss the nuclear file and other issues.
According to Gulf diplomatic sources, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is leading the talks, while the US side is represented by the special envoy Steve Witkoff.
The sources indicated that Iran has shown unprecedented flexibility on the nuclear issue, but has so far refused to discuss its missile programme or the issue of suppressing protests, considering both to be “internal matters”.
Doubts Over the Chances of Success
The newspaper noted that the prospects for the success of these talks remain unclear, especially after reports emerged of executions being carried out, despite a prior Iranian commitment not to proceed with them in exchange for delaying a US strike.
For her part, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani acknowledged that a “heavy shadow of war hangs over the country”, but affirmed that Tehran continues to seek a diplomatic solution.
She told journalists, “We hear the drums of war being beaten by hostile media abroad to spread fear and unrest, but we are confronting a multi-dimensional hybrid war”.
