The security forces in Iran have received a "blank check" to use lethal force in suppressing the protests of January 8-9, in order to discourage demonstrations.

Following the protests of January 8-9, a government official in Iran stated that the security forces have been given "full authority" to use lethal force in order to instill fear and prevent further demonstrations. The order was given without distinguishing between civilians and others, which led to a significantly higher number of casualties than the official figures, which indicate nearly 3,000 deaths. Internal documents suggest that over 36,500 people may have been killed during the crackdown, by order of the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

After Khamenei's speech, internal discussions among the Revolutionary Guards used terms like "victory through terror." The involvement of foreign forces, including units from Chechnya and Iraq, in suppressing the protests has also been confirmed. Iraqi militias supported by Iran have been reported to be recruiting fighters to support Iranian forces, being transferred under the pretext of religious pilgrimages.