Basij

Tehran is preparing for the July 9 funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, delayed four months, with authorities using cold storage for his remains and mobilizing the Basij militia for security. The funeral aims to showcase strength under the slogan 'We Must Avenge,' with large public viewings and processions planned.

Iranians describe increased repression by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), economic hardship, and visible military presence amid a fragile ceasefire. Three individuals detail checkpoints, fear of the Basij militia, enforced hijab rules, and poverty, while President Trump threatens military action against Iran.

Iran’s nightly pro-government rallies, held since March 2026, show public support for the government amid the US-Israeli war on Iran, but critics argue attendees are often government-aligned groups like Basij and Revolutionary Guard supporters. Participants express fears of foreign intervention and war, highlighting both national unity and political divisions.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards are training Basij paramilitary members to use MANPADS (anti-aircraft missiles) in preparation for potential US-Israeli attacks, based on lessons from recent conflicts. FRANCE 24 obtained documents and videos showing the training, which highlights Iran's efforts to bolster air defense capabilities.

Bellingcat has identified at least 80 damaged or destroyed police stations and law enforcement infrastructure in Iran during the first three weeks of a 2026 US-Israel military campaign. The strikes target Iran's repressive capacity, with the majority focused on police stations (30 incidents) and command centers (29 incidents). Israel and the US have conducted thousands of strikes against IRGC sites, military infrastructure, and now law enforcement agencies.