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Killing civilians in the streets is traditionally one of the 'red lines' that the mullahs have not crossed, as the Iranian military could stop its neutrality and step in to defend the people. That's why they've traditionally employed foreign rent-a-mobs and militias to use non-lethal violence and intimidation.

If the killing is more than a few sporadic deaths, there could be a great backlash and breakdown of authority. Their conventional military is largely patriotic and pro-Persian, as opposed to the more extremist Qods force Islamist types. Street massacres, especially ones that become public knowledge, will clear the benches. Emailed digital photos and Twitter may be the leverage to get them moving and get the real revolution started.