In a desperate attempt to display force, the Tehran branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a major drill involving 110,000 Basij paramilitary forces, to be held on Friday, January 10, 2025. Dubbed “Marchers to Quds,” [Jerusalem] the exercise is described as a “cultural-combat readiness” drill aimed at countering potential threats to the Iranian capital, according to statements from IRGC officials reported by IRNA and Defa Press.
The scale and timing of the drill have raised questions about the regime’s motives. While IRGC officials claim the exercise is a measure of preparedness for “any potential threat,” analysts suggest it reveals deep concerns about the possibility of widespread unrest in Tehran. The exercise follows the regime’s increasing use of military posturing to project strength amid domestic discontent and external pressures.
Brigadier General Hassan Hassan-Zadeh, commander of Tehran’s IRGC unit, emphasized the multifaceted purpose of the drill: “This exercise is a demonstration of the Basij forces’ full readiness to counter any threat against the capital. It also sends a message to the enemies of the Islamic Revolution that the defenders of the nation stand firm and united” (IRNA, January 8).
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The drill is set to feature members from specialized IRGC battalions, including the Imam Hussein and Beit ol-Moqaddas (Quds/Jerusalem) units.
Commentators argue that the real purpose of the drill lies in preparing for a potential uprising in Tehran, rather than countering external threats. The exercise comes against the backdrop of growing public frustration with economic hardships, including soaring inflation and currency devaluation, and persistent power outages. Recent history suggests a direct correlation between economic crises and mass protests in Iran, fueling speculation that the regime is bracing for large-scale demonstrations.
According to Defa Press, the drill will span major routes from Tehranpars to Valiasr Square, underscoring the regime’s concern about controlling urban centers during the unrest. An earlier drill in October 2024 similarly focused on suppressing potential urban uprisings, particularly targeting Tehran’s key government and security installations.
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The drill also follows heightened regime anxiety after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in Syria, a key ally of Tehran. The swift collapse of the Syrian regime has been cited by IRGC insiders as a cautionary tale, leading Iranian leaders to intensify security measures at home.
IRGC Ground Forces Commander Mohammad Pakpour previously commented on such exercises, saying, “These drills are part of our annual program to boost combat readiness and prepare for scenarios involving hybrid threats” (ISNA, January 8). While his remarks were framed as targeting “external adversaries,” they underscore the regime’s growing paranoia about domestic challenges.
Despite years of boasting about its “six armies of proxy forces” across the Middle East, the regime’s inability to defend its proxies during critical military setbacks has exposed its hollow bravado. The IRGC’s low morale and widespread devastation were so profound that it failed to prevent the fall of Bashar al-Assad, despite deploying tens of thousands of heavily armed forces in Syria. With its regional influence crumbling, the clerical regime now seeks to suppress domestic dissent through such drills, attempting to project strength and deter Iranians from recognizing its glaring weakness. The spectacle of 110,000 Basij members marching through Tehran underscores not resilience, but desperation, as the regime scrambles to maintain control amid growing public disillusionment.