Reports related to demonstrations and public protests
Videos received by Iran International show smoke rising from an explosion in Khorramabad on the afternoon of March 27. The sound of two explosions was heard from IRGC bases near the Falak-ol-Aflak Castle.
In Tehran, basij forces are living out of their own cars due to the loss of bases and safe houses. They are now changing clothes in their vehicles and are no longer being paid for their duties.
On Wednesday, March 17, the United Arab Emirates' air defense systems intercepted 13 ballistic missiles and 27 drones launched from Iran. Since the start of Iran's attacks on March 9, the UAE has intercepted 327 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,669 drones, resulting in two Emirati soldiers and six civilians killed, and 158 others injured.
On March 16, 2025, Israeli army forces targeted a Basij commanders' meeting held in a tent in a forested area near Tehran, killing Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the Basij Organization. An Israeli military intelligence official stated that the attack aimed to eliminate military leaders and convey a message to the Islamic Republic leadership that no place is safe.
Israel's Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, confirmed in a video message the killings of Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council; Gholamreza Soleimani, Commander of the Basij Organization; and Ismail Khatib, Iran's Minister of Intelligence. Katz also announced that the army has been authorized to kill any senior Islamic Republic official without needing permission.
Esmail Khatib, the Minister of Intelligence in the Islamic Republic of Iran, has been eliminated, a development that significantly impacts the regime's ability to suppress dissent. Khatib was instrumental in implementing the regime's crackdown on opposition leaders and coordinating security forces.
A senior Israeli military intelligence official told the Associated Press that an attack on Tuesday evening targeted a Basij commanders' meeting held in a tent in a forested area, resulting in the killing of Gholamreza Soleimani. The official stated that such operations aim to convey that leaders of the Islamic Republic have no safe place.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a widespread attack flight in Tehran on Tuesday, targeting headquarters of the Revolutionary Guard's security unit, a maintenance center for internal security forces, a ballistic missile array headquarters, and several air defense systems.
The assassination of Iran's Minister of Intelligence, Khatib, has been confirmed. Khatib was previously targeted along with other key regime figures, including Larijani and Soleimani, in operations attributed to Israel.
The Israeli Army posted on the social network X that Basij forces have been involved in suppressing recent protests in Iran and vowed to target Basij members wherever they are located, including checkpoints and tents. The message also accused Gholamreza Soleimani, a Basij commander, of playing a significant role in the violent suppression of protesters.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz and will determine who can use it, asserting that enemies of Iran will not be permitted to use the waterway.
Kamal Panhasi, the Persian-speaking spokesperson for the Israeli army, announced in a video message on Tuesday that a series of strikes targeting the Basij organization, including the killing of the Basij chief and the destruction of checkpoints, had taken place.
