Iran’s nationwide uprising entered another volatile phase as protesters in Tehran set fire to multiple Basij paramilitary vehicles during nighttime clashes, marking a direct assault on one of the Islamic Republic’s most feared instruments of repression. Video footage from Sattar Khan Street shows white Basij vans engulfed in flames as crowds gather nearby, with flashes of gunfire visible in the distance.

The incident unfolded amid the twelfth consecutive day of anti-regime protests that began in late December 2025, driven by economic collapse, soaring inflation, and years of political repression. What initially started as demonstrations over living conditions has rapidly transformed into an open revolt against the ruling system, with protesters increasingly targeting symbols of regime power.

The Basij, a volunteer paramilitary force operating under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has long been deployed to suppress dissent. The burning of its vehicles in the heart of Tehran reflects a significant shift in protester tactics, signaling growing defiance and a willingness to confront regime enforcers directly.

Reports indicate that unrest has now spread to approximately 173 cities nationwide, with more than 330 documented clash sites. Demonstrations have included attacks on IRGC facilities, state media buildings, and other government-linked targets, underscoring the breadth and coordination of the movement.

Despite live ammunition, mass arrests, and an ongoing internet blackout designed to conceal the scale of the unrest, protesters continue to mobilize in large numbers. Nighttime demonstrations, strikes, and coordinated actions suggest a population that no longer believes the regime can intimidate its way back to control.

The scenes from Tehran highlight a regime under mounting pressure and a protest movement growing bolder by the day. As Basij vehicles burn and crowds return to the streets night after night, the message from Iran’s cities is increasingly clear: the fear barrier is breaking, and the confrontation between the people and the regime is entering a decisive stage.