The Israel Defense Forces intensified operations in central Tehran over the past 24 hours, targeting Basij paramilitary units and confirming the elimination of a key commander along with strikes on more than 10 positions. The campaign is part of a broader escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, which has included missile exchanges and increased U.S. involvement. Israeli officials say the strikes are focused on weakening Iran’s internal security apparatus and limiting its ability to respond both domestically and regionally.

The Basij, a large volunteer force operating under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, plays a central role in maintaining regime control through crowd enforcement and suppression of protests. With an estimated membership in the hundreds of thousands, the force has been instrumental in quelling uprisings in recent years. Targeting its leadership and operational sites represents a strategic effort to disrupt command structures and reduce coordination capabilities.