Politics
Briefing: Members of Iran’s Basij militia mount online intimidation campaign to deter protests
Strategic angle: Heavily armed and dressed in camouflage, members of Iran's Basij paramilitary force have been circulating photos of themselves patrolling the streets of Tehran.
Editorial Staff
1 min read
Updated 15 days ago
Members of Iran's Basij militia have been actively circulating images of themselves in camouflage, heavily armed, as part of an intimidation campaign aimed at discouraging protests.
This initiative has been ongoing since early March 2026, with members seen patrolling the streets of Tehran while displaying portraits of the new Supreme Leader.
The operational implications of this campaign suggest a significant focus on maintaining control and suppressing dissent through visible displays of force.