As unrest spread across Iran for a 12th consecutive day, the Islamic Republic has reportedly sought support from foreign militias, with two independent sources confirming that approximately 850 fighters from Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, and the Quds Force have entered Iran to reinforce the regime’s security forces.
This reported deployment represents a major escalation in the regime’s reaction, indicating its readiness to depend on allied foreign militias with battlefield experience to quell internal opposition.
“This is nothing new for the regime. It is the logical extension of a playbook the ruling clerics have used since 1979 to outsource repression to ideologically loyal militias and then integrate them into the state’s coercive infrastructure,” Iran analyst Lisa Daftari told Digital.
“From the Basij and Revolutionary Guard, established under the banner of revolutionary defense, to the current deployment of foreign proxies such as Hezbollah and Iraqi Popular Mobilization forces, the regime is once again demonstrating that it addresses its domestic population with the same approach it applies to regional conflicts. The implication is unmistakable: the ruling clerics show no concern for the Iranian populace. They will go to any lengths to erase the distinction between internal security operations and cross-border militant activities to maintain their authority.”
Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted that the alleged utilization of foreign proxy forces might indicate rising apprehensions within the regime regarding the internal unity of Iran’s own security apparatus.
“Since protests dating back to 2009, there have always been allegations of Arabic being heard on the street,” Ben Taleblu told Digital. “As tensions escalate between the government and protesters, attention will focus on whether Iran’s security personnel might refuse or resist orders to suppress demonstrations. The regime is evidently aware of this risk. Consequently, the Islamic Republic may have created a contingency plan against public outrage: foreign proxies. Whether Lebanese Hezbollah, , or the Afghan Fatemiyoun, their purpose remains identical: to shoot at Iranians when fellow Iranians refuse to do so.”
Previous reports from also suggested that Iraqi Shiite militia reinforcements were sent to Iran in early January to help quell protests. The estimated number of fighters was approximately 800, with militants allegedly crossing the border disguised as religious pilgrims before assembling at a base in Ahvaz and being sent to different areas.
Ghulam Isaczai, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Iraq, responded to a Digital inquiry regarding the Iraqi militias, stating he was unaware of the situation and that it was “new to him.”
Iran’s nationwide uprising reached its 12th day on Thursday, with protests and violent confrontations reported in over 200 cities spanning 26 provinces, highlighting the extensive nature of the unrest fueled by economic deterioration and deep-rooted political complaints.
Footage circulating Thursday captured protesters tearing down the Iranian flag as demonstrations driven by rampant inflation, currency collapse, and profound dissatisfaction with the nation’s theocratic rulers continued to expand.
Human rights organizations and independent monitors report at least and over 2,200 individuals detained since the demonstrations commenced in late December.
Although demonstrations originally focused on Tehran, they have since spread to western provinces such as Kermanshah, Lorestan, Ilam, and Kurdish areas. Iranian authorities have reacted by mobilizing substantial security forces, implementing internet shutdowns, and establishing curfews in certain locations to contain the disturbances.
The disturbances coincide with Iran’s ongoing economic decline. Authorities have taken action against hoarding and price manipulation as the rial’s value plummets against the dollar, intensifying public anger and driving daily protests.
International concern is mounting as the reported deployment of foreign militia forces, combined with economic deterioration, could redefine Iran’s internal instability and carry broader regional security implications, particularly as U.S. warnings and sanctions pressure intensify.
Reuters and