According to the Jerusalem post, on Thursday, April 23, 2026, as the Iranian government tries to quell fresh waves of domestic protest, observers say it is relying more and more on regional friends and militias backed by foreign powers.
Protests, such as those in Kermanshah earlier this year, have prompted authorities to worry about the possibility of a more widespread and organised rebellion. Discontent with economic inequality, political persecution, and limits on civil liberties has persisted among demonstrators.
A lecturer and researcher who focuses on social networks and protest movements, Effi Banai, stated that the regime’s reaction shows a deliberate attempt to avoid a worsening of the situation. “The regime seems to be attempting to avert a broad wave of demonstrations by bolstering its presence on the ground,” Banai clarified, referring to the apparent rise in security deployments.
Reports from inside the region indicate that Iranian security forces have been bolstered by ally militias, including those with links to Pakistan and other Middle Eastern elements. Especially in dangerous areas, these groups may be able to supply the necessary manpower as well as practical knowledge for crowd management and urban security.
Relying on these groups shows that the leadership is worried about the competence and allegiance of its own soldiers, according to experts. It appears like Iran is employing a multi-pronged approach to prevent a massive uprising, with the Revolutionary Guard and police forces still playing a crucial role in preserving order.
Meanwhile, in an effort to derail protesters’ ability to work together, authorities have stepped up their internet surveillance and imposed new limitations on popular communication platforms. The importance of social networks in mobilisation makes them an attractive target for governmental control, as pointed out by Banai.
In spite of these efforts, protests have been happening every now and again, showing that people are still not happy. The employment of foreign-linked militias and other authoritarian measures, according to experts, might exacerbate existing animosity and polarise the situation.
The possibility for further unrest looms large as Iran navigates ongoing internal tensions, with the balance between enforcement and popular response remaining uncertain……See More
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