Iranian state-aligned outlets have reported that Tehran has initiated a modernization program for the Basij Paramilitary Forces, the volunteer internal security wing tasked with maintaining order and suppressing unrest. The announcements coincide with a propaganda video montage showing uniformed personnel in parades, training exercises, and public marches, emphasizing the group’s scale and discipline.

The media claims that the Basij now boasts more than 10 million members, though analysts note that independent estimates in 2024 placed the number of actual affiliates at between 300,000 and 1 million, with only tens of thousands actively engaged in internal security roles. Observers suggest the inflated figures serve as a psychological deterrent and a show of strength both domestically and internationally.

The Basij, established in 1979 under Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has historically functioned as a volunteer force that supplements law enforcement during protests, enforces regime policies, and participates in civil and military training programs. The reported modernization efforts include updated uniforms, training regimens, and organizational restructuring intended to improve operational efficiency and the projection of power.

Analysts view this announcement as part of a broader effort by Tehran to signal internal control amid growing domestic pressures and regional challenges. While the Basij has long been a cornerstone of Iran’s internal security architecture, the combination of inflated membership claims and publicized modernization indicates a strategic propaganda push designed to reinforce the regime’s image of authority.