The Iranian regime’s morale crisis was highlighted during the recent “110,000-strong Wayfarers of Jerusalem” drill in Tehran. Hassan Hassanzadeh, commander of the IRGC’s Mohammad Rasulollah division in Tehran, revealed that “many of our comrades, who once proudly served in the Basij and IRGC, have declined invitations to participate in the drill,” citing a trend that has grown since the fallout from Syria. His remarks, initially published by Sharq Daily, were later removed.
The drill, framed by the regime as a show of strength, was ostensibly organized to prepare for “any potential threat against the capital” and to combat “terrorist operations.” Ali-Mohammad Naeini, an IRGC spokesperson, stated that the exercise was aimed at showcasing “the comprehensive readiness of the Basij to counter any threat, demonstrate cohesion, and improve professional rescue, defense, and anti-terrorism skills.”
However, participation fell short of expectations, prompting increased reliance on Afghan residents in Iran. Hassanzadeh admitted, “At least 27,000 Afghan brothers and sisters residing in Iran have registered for the drill,” highlighting an unusual shift in recruitment practices.
Mashreq News, a platform run by the IRGC Intelligence Organization, quickly denounced Sharq Daily’s report, stating: “The publication of a fabricated, strange, and suspicious report attributed to Commander Hassan Hassanzadeh, head of the IRGC’s Mohammad Rasulullah division in Tehran, by Sharq Daily, following the frustration of foreign adversaries’ media over the public and media reception of the 110,000-strong drill in the capital, represents an unprecedented and rare move targeting the country’s military forces and defensive authority.”
#Iran News: IRGC Stages Massive Drill in #Tehran Amid Fear of Uprisinghttps://t.co/Rd1fDhqcIR
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) January 8, 2025
The drill also featured the distribution of 110,000 aid packages and other incentives in a “faithful assistance” campaign to boost turnout. Analysts suggest that these measures reflect growing internal dissatisfaction within the regime’s forces, exacerbated by the IRGC’s failure to maintain strategic influence in Syria, previously touted as Iran’s “35th province.” As morale continues to decline, the regime increasingly relies on propaganda and material rewards to maintain its crumbling ranks.
On January 8, Khamenei urged his followers to resist despair and reject the enemy’s narratives. “We must fortify ourselves, our thoughts, and public opinion against the enemy’s propaganda,” he stated, cautioning against believing claims of the regime’s weakness. He emphasized the importance of “tearing apart the illusion of the enemy’s power” and keeping hope alive. Directing his media apparatus and supporters, Khamenei declared, “Everyone with a platform in media or propaganda must prioritize keeping hope alive in the hearts of the people. No discouraging words should be spoken.”