When US President Donald Trump began strikes on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the process, he told Iranians to "take over your government".
"It will be yours to take," Trump said. "This will be probably your only chance for generations."
But as the war between the US and Israel and Iran has deepened over the past two weeks, Iranians have received sharply different messages about what may happen if they do take action.
Encouragement from figures outside Iran has come as reports have emerged of an increased security and police presence in cities across the country, with officials of the Islamic Republic warning against any possible gatherings or protests.
Earlier this week, Iran's Police Chief, Brigadier General Ahmadreza Radan, warned that his forces would treat anyone who takes to the streets "at the enemy's request" as an "enemy".
