Iranian intelligence operatives have covertly drafted close to 1,000 additional pro-regime fighters from neighbouring Iraq in a desperate bid to quell a spreading nationwide uprising, the Daily Mirror can exclusively reveal.
Secret Reinforcements Cross the Border
The shadowy recruitment drive, which brings the total number of foreign reinforcements to nearly 1,000, is a clear sign the regime in Tehran is growing increasingly worried about the persistence of the protests. According to Mirror sources, the secretive Iraqi units, drawn from various Shia militias loyal to Iran within Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMU), entered Iran through western border crossings at Shalamcheh, Chazhabeh, and Khosravi.
These fighters have reportedly been deployed to several flashpoints across north-west Iran. They are believed to have been recruited under the direction of Esmail Ghaani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force. This move comes as the regime attempts to frame the internal dissent as a foreign-backed campaign, pivoting its rhetoric towards threats against the United States and Israel.
A Bloody Crackdown and Rising Toll
The protests, which have grown in scale and violence, have already resulted in a significant loss of life. Human rights groups report that at least 600 people are feared dead, with more than 10,000 arrested. Among the victims was 23-year-old student Robina Aminian, who was shot in the head at close range during demonstrations in Tehran.
More than 100 security officers have also been killed in the clashes. In a notable act of defiance, dozens of security officials in Kermanshah City were arrested after refusing orders to open fire on protesters. The regime has enforced an internet blackout to control the flow of information, though it claims services are now being restored.
International Tensions Reach Boiling Point
The internal crisis has rapidly escalated into a major international confrontation. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, warned on Monday that the country is "ready for war but also dialogue." Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf echoed threats, suggesting Iran could target US military bases across the Middle East or Israel.
This bellicose stance follows direct warnings from former US President Donald Trump, who stated America was looking at "some very strong options" and would retaliate forcefully if Iran targeted the US. Trump also claimed Tehran had been in touch to negotiate, seeking to prevent potential cyber-attacks or direct military strikes being considered by Washington.
As protesters continue to chant "death to Khamenei" in reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the regime's decision to import foreign fighters underscores its determination to survive, even as it risks inflaming both domestic fury and global conflict.
