As anti-government protests continue in Iran for the twelfth consecutive day, the Islamic Republic has reportedly reached out for assistance from foreign militias. Two independent sources have confirmed that about 850 fighters linked to Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, and the Quds Force have entered Iran to bolster the regime’s security forces.
This action signifies an escalation in the government’s tactics, revealing its dependency on an alliance of experienced foreign fighters to quell domestic dissent. “For the regime, this is nothing new. It’s just an extension of the strategy they’ve been using since 1979—outsourcing their oppression to loyal militias and blending them into the state’s enforcement apparatus,” said Iran expert Risa Daftari.
The government seems determined to treat its citizens as it would a battlefield. Benam Ben Taleburu from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies argued that this reliance on foreign militias indicates rising concerns within the regime about the loyalty and effectiveness of Iran’s own security forces.
Some reports indicate that these foreign fighters were sent to Iran earlier this month, disguised as religious pilgrims. They gathered at a base in Ahvaz, prepared for deployment in various regions. Ghulam Isakzai, the UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq, stated he was unaware of the situation regarding Iraqi militias.
The protests have intensified, now affecting over 200 cities across 26 provinces, driven by severe economic struggles and longstanding political issues. Videos from northern Iran have surfaced, showing demonstrators tearing down national flags amidst rampant inflation and dissatisfaction with the ruling class.
Since the unrest began, at least 38 individuals have reportedly lost their lives, and over 2,200 people have been arrested. Authorities have reacted by deploying security forces, instituting internet blackouts, and establishing curfews to suppress the dissent.
While the protests originated in Tehran, the discontent has spread to western areas like Kermanshah and Ilam. As the situation evolves, the Iranian government faces increasing internal challenges, which some analysts suggest could redefine instability in the region and challenge broader security dynamics amid ongoing international scrutiny and sanctions.
