Two senior Iranian security officials have reportedly issued horrifying warnings to citizens in the country as war in the Middle East continues to rage. One official said a “shoot-to-kill order” had been made for suspected thieves, while another warned those joining in protests could also be killed, according to reports.

It comes after thousands were killed earlier this year in a deadly crackdown by the Iranian regime on protests which swept across the country. Tehran has acknowledged 3,117 deaths but many fear the actual number to be much higher. On Friday, the commander-in-chief of Iran’s Law Enforcement Forces reportedly said police had been authorised to shoot suspected thieves on sight.

According to EuroNews, Ahmadreza Radan told state TV: “Because we are in a state of war, I have issued a shoot-to-kill order for dealing with potential thieves.

“If any thief is caught by our forces, they will be shot and immobilised.”

It came a day after a member of Iran’s Parliamentary National Security Commission reportedly warned parents to stop their children from taking part in demonstrations.

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Speaking to state broadcaster IRIB, Salar Velayatmadar apparently said children who joined protests or “aligned with the enemy” would face consequences, including death.

“We do not want your child to be killed, because your child is ignorant and unaware,” he reportedly said.

EuroNews reports police stations and law enforcement headquarters have been targeted, with authorities concerned of new street protests.

The Iranian regime introduced a nationwide internet blackout shortly after the US and Israel launched strikes against the country on Saturday.

US President Donald Trump has appeared to rule out negotiations with Iran to end the conflict, calling for Tehran’s “unconditional surrender”.

He earlier said he wants to be involved in picking Iran’s next leader and ruled out Mojtaba Khamenei — a frontrunner to replace his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Announcing US military action on Iran last weekend, Mr Trump made an appeal to Iranians, saying: “Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment to be brave, be bold, be heroic, and take back your country”.

US-Israeli airstrikes are continuing to hit Iran which is still launching retaliatory attacks across the region.

Officials in Iran say at least 1,230 people have been killed in the country since the conflict broke out.