After a week of intensive propaganda, the Mohammad Rasulullah IRGC Base of Greater Tehran, one of the two primary forces responsible for protecting the Iranian regime and suppressing popular protests, held a military exercise called “Rahiyan-e Quds.” According to the IRGC, 110,000 people participated in the event, during which livelihood packages, dowries, and school supplies were distributed among the attendees.
Official Objectives
Iranian state media reported that the exercise aimed to “demonstrate the comprehensive readiness of the Basij to counter any threat and showcase their level of preparation, cohesion, and professional skills in rescue, defense, and counterterrorism operations nationwide.”
During the event, some military equipment and replicas were displayed. Participants also carried cardboard cutouts of slain figures aligned with Iran regime’s regional agenda, including Hassan Nasrallah, Secretary General of Hezbollah; Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, leaders of Hamas. These displays underscored the regime’s narrative of solidarity with allied groups and its broader geopolitical ambitions.
Participation Numbers in Question
Despite the IRGC’s claims, published images from the exercise fail to substantiate the participation of 110,000 individuals. This exercise marks the second large-scale security drill by the IRGC in the last two months, coinciding with growing concerns about potential nationwide protests fueled by Iran’s internal and external crises.
Two months prior, the IRGC conducted a similar exercise near Tehran on Tello Road and at the headquarters of the “Al Mohammad” security brigade, focusing on urban protest suppression.
Leadership Concerns
Ali Mohammad Naini, an IRGC spokesperson, emphasized that 110,000 participants were expected. However, he acknowledged previous concerns about inadequate registration, stating, “Many individuals with the honor of serving in the IRGC and Basij have yet to confirm their attendance.”
Hassan Hassanzadeh, commander of the Mohammad Rasulullah IRGC Base, revealed that at least 27,000 Afghan nationals residing in Iran had registered to participate. Yet, he expressed frustration over the low turnout among IRGC and Basij members, saying, “Unfortunately, many friends who had the honor of serving in Basij and IRGC have either apologized for various reasons or have not provided a definitive answer—a trend that has grown since the events in Syria.”
Incentives and Challenges
Hassanzadeh alluded to unspecified benefits for participants, some of which were later disclosed by local media. These included livelihood packages, dowries, and school supplies, reflecting the regime’s attempts to incentivize participation. These measures highlight the regime’s growing difficulties in maintaining support among its loyal base amid deepening dissatisfaction, even among those who have historically been aligned with the system.
Escalation of Exercises
As public dissatisfaction grows, the IRGC has intensified its security exercises across the country. The Basij exercise in Tehran—the second in two months—was explicitly aimed at preparing to suppress potential protests in the capital.
On January 4, 2025, the IRGC launched a multi-stage drill called “Great Prophet 19,” which differs from previous annual exercises by prioritizing urban security. On January 7, 2025, the Saberin forces, an elite IRGC brigade, joined the drill. According to brigade commander Ahmad Ali Faizollahi, the Saberin unit is deployed when other forces require additional support.
Conclusion
The recent series of IRGC exercises, including “Rahiyan-e Quds” and “Great Prophet 19,” underscores the regime’s growing reliance on its security apparatus to project strength and quell dissent. However, the reported struggles to mobilize even its core supporters suggest cracks within the system’s foundation. As internal and external pressures mount, the regime’s ability to maintain its grip on power through such displays of force may face increasing limitations.
Source » irannewsupdate