Iran deploys Popular Mobilization Forces in Khuzestan and sparks nationwide outrage among citizens

State media in Iran have released images showing Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) fighters entering Khuzestan province, a move that has sparked widespread anger among Iranians.

Residents accuse the regime of repeatedly importing proxy forces to suppress protests and protect the ruling establishment.

According to reports, at least 1,000 PMF fighters arrived under the guise of a “relief convoy,” carrying vehicles, military equipment, and their official flags.

Some residents suggest additional forces may have entered the country covertly.

Iranian law, under Article 146 of the constitution, prohibits foreign military forces from operating on Iranian soil, raising questions about the legality of this deployment.

Historical Context and Public Outrage

The presence of PMF fighters has reignited painful memories of the Iran-Iraq War.

A resident of Khorramshahr described feelings of distress, comparing the situation to the city’s occupation by Iraqi forces 44 years ago.

PMF units have been reportedly stationed in Khorramshahr, Abadan, and Ahvaz to assist the IRGC in maintaining control over the region, particularly in anticipation of protests or potential U.S. military action.

Historically, the PMF has played roles in violent crackdowns, including the suppression of the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom protests.

Videos circulated online suggest their participation in operations that resulted in thousands of deaths, contributing to a reputation of mercenary activity under Tehran’s command.

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Iran’s Use of Mercenary and Proxy Forces

Beyond the PMF, Iran has increasingly relied on other foreign Shiite proxy groups, including Hezbollah, the Fatemiyoun Division (Afghan Shiites), and the Zainabiyoun Brigade (Pakistani Shiites), to suppress unrest.

These groups often coordinate with the IRGC and Basij forces.

While the PMF typically does not maintain permanent bases in Iran, they are now reportedly active at the Ghayour barracks in Ahvaz alongside several Iranian-aligned militias such as Kata’ib Hezbollah and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq.

PMF fighters receive ideological training in Qom and maintain experience in urban warfare, making them a critical instrument for Tehran in controlling cities and countering potential U.S. ground operations.

Iraqi Political Tensions and Internal Fractures

The deployment of PMF fighters has caused concern in Iraq, as officials fear involvement in a potential Iran-U.S. conflict.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and other political leaders have stressed that only the commander-in-chief can authorize the movement of Iraqi forces abroad.

The PMF itself is internally divided. Some factions, influenced by Ayatollah Sistani and Muqtada al-Sadr, are distancing themselves from Tehran, while other elements remain loyal to the Islamic Republic.

Polls indicate declining support for the pro-velayat PMF faction in Iraqi society, reflecting broader disillusionment with its service to Iran.

Social Media Reaction

Iranian and Iraqi citizens have expressed outrage on platforms like X, Telegram, and TikTok.

Hashtags such as “Iraq is not Iran’s backyard” illustrate Iraqi opposition, while Iranian users question why PMF forces were not targeted by Israel or the U.S., expressing concern over the implications for domestic control and regional stability.

Impact and Consequences

• Domestic unrest: The deployment of PMF forces may escalate tensions in Khuzestan and other Iranian cities.
• Legal violations: Stationing foreign armed forces in Iran contravenes Article 146 of the Iranian constitution.
• Regional instability: Iraqi political and social divisions deepen as PMF involvement in Iran grows.
• International relations: The presence of armed Iraqi forces in Iran risks drawing U.S. or Israeli military responses.
• Public trust: Both Iranian and Iraqi citizens increasingly distrust proxy militias and the regimes backing them.

What’s Next?

Observers anticipate heightened vigilance in Khuzestan and other strategic cities.

International actors may respond diplomatically or militarily if PMF forces are seen as threatening U.S. interests.

Internal divisions within the PMF and Iraq’s political elite may affect Tehran’s ability to rely on these militias in the long term.

Summary

The recent entry of Popular Mobilization Forces into Iran’s Khuzestan province has reignited public outrage and exposed the ongoing use of proxy militias by Tehran.

While intended to reinforce regime control and prepare for possible U.S. intervention, the move has sparked political tensions within Iraq and deepened societal mistrust on both sides of the border.

Bulleted Takeaways

• PMF fighters have entered Khuzestan under the guise of a “relief convoy,” reportedly numbering at least 1,000.
• Residents compare the presence to historical Iraqi occupation, expressing anger and fear.
• PMF and other proxy militias are used by Iran to suppress protests and maintain control.
• Deployment violates Iran’s Article 146, which bans foreign forces on Iranian soil.
• Internal PMF divisions exist between pro-velayat and marjaiya factions.
• Iraqi officials worry about being dragged into a U.S.-Iran conflict.
• Social media reaction in Iran and Iraq highlights widespread public opposition.
• Analysts warn PMF involvement could escalate urban conflict and destabilize the region.