{"id":327563,"date":"2025-01-11T10:21:46","date_gmt":"2025-01-11T09:21:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=327563"},"modified":"2025-01-11T12:54:34","modified_gmt":"2025-01-11T11:54:34","slug":"iran-news-irgc-commander-admits-widespread-refusals-to-join-wayfarers-drill-in-tehran","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/terrorism-a-fundamentalism\/iran-news-irgc-commander-admits-widespread-refusals-to-join-wayfarers-drill-in-tehran\/","title":{"rendered":"Iran News: IRGC Commander Admits Widespread Refusals to Join Wayfarers\u2019 Drill in Tehran"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Mortars and combatants displayed behind a truck during the ‘Wayfarers of Jerusalem’ drill in Tehran, January 10, 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Iranian regime\u2019s morale crisis was highlighted during the recent \u201c110,000-strong Wayfarers of Jerusalem\u201d drill<\/a> in Tehran. Hassan Hassanzadeh, commander of the IRGC\u2019s Mohammad Rasulollah division in Tehran, revealed that \u201cmany of our comrades, who once proudly served in the Basij and IRGC, have declined invitations to participate in the drill,\u201d citing a trend that has grown since the fallout from Syria. His remarks, initially published by Sharq Daily<\/em>, were later removed<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The drill, framed by the regime as a show of strength, was ostensibly organized to prepare for \u201cany potential threat against the capital\u201d and to combat \u201cterrorist operations.\u201d Ali-Mohammad Naeini<\/a>, an IRGC spokesperson, stated that the exercise was aimed at showcasing \u201cthe comprehensive readiness of the Basij to counter any threat, demonstrate cohesion, and improve professional rescue, defense, and anti-terrorism skills.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Removed news page from the state-run Sharq displays: ‘Your desired page was not found<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, participation fell short of expectations, prompting increased reliance on Afghan residents in Iran. Hassanzadeh admitted, \u201cAt least 27,000 Afghan brothers and sisters residing in Iran have registered for the drill,\u201d highlighting an unusual shift in recruitment practices.<\/p>\n

Mashreq News, a platform run by the IRGC Intelligence Organization, quickly denounced Sharq Daily\u2019s<\/em> report, stating<\/a>: \u201cThe publication of a fabricated, strange, and suspicious report attributed to Commander Hassan Hassanzadeh, head of the IRGC\u2019s Mohammad Rasulullah division in Tehran, by Sharq Daily<\/em>, 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\u2019s military forces and defensive authority.\u201d<\/p>\n

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#Iran<\/a> News: IRGC Stages Massive Drill in #Tehran<\/a> Amid Fear of Uprisinghttps:\/\/t.co\/Rd1fDhqcIR<\/a><\/p>\n

— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) January 8, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n