Story perspectives

Basij Militia Prepares for Protests Amid Leadership Change

4/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Since March 8, Basij militia members posted photos of themselves in camouflage, armed and patrolling Tehran.
The photos appeared as Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran's Supreme Leader, was chosen as the new leader after his father's death in a US-Israeli airstrike.
An Iranian resident said security forces are ready to suppress protests, adding, "They are ready to shoot and kill."
Observers warn that further violence is inevitable if the current leadership remains.

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Story summary

Since March 8, Basij militia members posted photos of themselves in camouflage, armed and patrolling Tehran.
The photos appeared as Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran's Supreme Leader, was chosen as the new leader after his father's death in a US-Israeli airstrike.
An Iranian resident said security forces are ready to suppress protests, adding, "They are ready to shoot and kill."
Observers warn that further violence is inevitable if the current leadership remains.