Mercenaries of the Mullahs: Foreign Militias Flood Tehran to Crush Dissent as Regime Grip Weakens

The Iranian regime has brought in foreign militias, primarily from Iraq’s Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces), to help suppress potential unrest and support depleted security forces amid rising domestic tensions, The Telegraph reported.

Videos circulating on social media and verified by multiple Iranian residents show members of the Iraqi Shia militia patrolling streets in Tehran, manning checkpoints, conducting vehicle searches, and participating in night patrols and government rallies. Afghan Fatemiyoun fighters, another Iran-backed group, have also been deployed alongside them.

According to the report, the foreign fighters initially entered Iran in limited numbers toward the end of the recent conflict, presented as humanitarian aid convoys. They have since taken on active security roles as the regime seeks to maintain control following heavy losses to its own forces and fears of renewed protests.

Why Foreign Militias?

Analysts note that these groups have no local family ties, often speak different languages (primarily Arabic), and are considered more reliable by the regime because they are less likely to sympathize with Iranian civilians or defect. This tactic mirrors the regime’s previous use of proxy militias during earlier waves of protests to carry out repression.

The development comes as Iran continues to face internal pressure after the recent war, leadership changes, and economic strain. Iranian security forces appear stretched thin, prompting reliance on these external allies.

The situation remains tense, with concerns that any spark could lead to renewed demonstrations across the country.