Iranian intelligence operatives have covertly mobilised close to 1,000 additional pro-regime militia fighters from neighbouring Iraq in a desperate attempt to quell a widespread and bloody uprising across the country, the Daily Mirror can reveal.
Reinforcements Deployed to Flashpoints
According to exclusive sources, the shadowy recruitment drive is a sign the Tehran regime is increasingly worried by the scale and persistence of the protests, which have now spread throughout Iran. The reinforcements, drawn from various Shia militia groups within Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMU), are fiercely loyal to Iran.
These units are believed to have been recruited by Esmail Ghaani, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force. They secretly entered Iran through western border crossings at Shalamcheh, Chazhabeh, and Khosravi, and have been deployed to several flashpoints in the north-west of the country.
The move comes amidst a severe crackdown that has seen at least 600 people feared dead and over 10,000 arrested, according to rights groups. The US-based organisation HRANA reported a death toll surpassing 500. Among the victims was 23-year-old student Robina Aminian, who was shot in the head at close range during protests in Tehran.
Regime Frames Protests as Foreign Plot
As the internal crisis deepens, Iranian leaders are attempting to frame the nationwide unrest as an extension of the conflict with Israel and a campaign orchestrated by America. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned Iran could target US bases or Israel.
On Monday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated the regime was "ready for war but also dialogue", pivoting its focus towards Washington. This followed a threat from US President Donald Trump, who said America was looking at "some very strong options" and warned that if Iran retaliated against the US for the protests, "we will hit them at levels that they've never been hit before."
Protests have grown increasingly violent, with demonstrators heard chanting "death to Khamenei", a direct challenge to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The regime claims it is restoring internet access after a blackout since last Thursday and insists it remains in control.
Internal Dissent and Mounting Pressure
The crisis is also revealing cracks within the regime's security apparatus. In a significant act of defiance, dozens of security officials were arrested in Kermanshah City after refusing orders to open fire on protesters.
A Western security source told the Daily Mirror: "The fact they are bringing in reinforcements means the regime is becoming increasingly worried. But it is also a very sinister sign that whilst saying they are listening to the protesters, they are stepping up their bloody clampdown."
The Mirror had exclusively revealed weeks before the revolt began that 20,000 opposition cells were preparing to rise up. The US administration is reportedly weighing a range of potential responses, including cyber-attacks and direct strikes, though President Trump also noted Tehran had been in touch and "they want to negotiate" to prevent such action.
