Over several months of war and then cease-fire between the United States and Iran, hearing the voices of ordinary Iranians has become increasingly difficult amid a growing climate of fear.Some brave individuals have continued to speak to journalists from foreign news organizations, including RFE/RL's Radio Farda, though almost always insisting on anonymity. This was also the case as news broke that a framework deal had been announced by Washington and Tehran.But in many cases even sources who have previously been prepared to bear witness to events in their country have gone silent.'Cooperation With The Enemy'Some have recounted being warned by security officials not to speak in particular to US state-funded Persian-language media, such as Radio Farda, amid a crackdown in which the Iranian authorities say they have charged increasing numbers with espionage for "cooperation with the enemy."
In recent weeks, Iranian residents have repeatedly mentioned fear of detention and prosecution, as well as the high probability of these outcomes as a result of communicating with Radio Farda."I have talked to several of my close friends who trust me, but they refused to send any recorded message even with changed name and voice or even if somebody else reads their message," said one Radio Farda contact who, like many others cited in this article, could not be named for security reasons."The Islamic republic's propaganda against Persian media, especially during the war, is a big fear factor. The pressure on the public is very intense. People don't want to risk any kind of detention or questioning from security forces," the source added.An Iran-based analyst who was a regular Radio Farda interview guest before the war made a similar point."I am not able to talk to you on the record because I will be immediately picked up by security forces," said the analyst, who has been imprisoned in the past.'No Interviews'Another political analyst who also gave interviews to Radio Farda before the war added more detail."We have been told not to give any interview or news to Iranian media outside the country that are affiliated with Iran's enemies," the analyst said, referring to the United States and Israel, whose campaign of air strikes on Iran launched the conflict on February 28.
