The arrests have raised fears that a new wave of repression is coming, as the government seeks to root out spy networks and clamp down on any dissent.

The aging leader’s message was defiant but somber, delivered in front of a tan curtain flanked by an Iranian flag and a portrait of his predecessor.

The truce promised to bring an end to a 12-day conflict that saw the U.S. strike Iranian nuclear facilities, and ballistic missiles fired at Israeli cities.

The choice of how to retaliate is existential as a wider war risks not only increased violence but could also threaten regime survival, according to analysts.

A sweeping U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities has left many Iranians worried as the foreign minister said Iran was considering “all options.”