TEHRAN, IRAN – An unusual overnight assault involving reported Israeli drones struck multiple security checkpoints across Tehran on Wednesday night, according to state-affiliated Fars news agency. The agency initially reported ten fatalities among security personnel, including members of Iran’s security forces and the Basij militia. However, other sources suggest a significantly higher death toll, with scores of Basij and security personnel reportedly killed.
Fars, which is linked to the Iranian regime, detailed explosions and clashes at various locations within the capital. A “knowledgeable source” quoted by a regime-aligned agency attributed the attack to external forces, stating, “This operation is a joint effort by the Mossad and monarchist elements to infiltrate terrorists and sabotage the country. This operation will fail.”
In response to fears of widespread unrest, the regime’s Basij forces established checkpoints on major streets in Tehran, aiming to restrict civilian movement. It is believed the drone attack was intended to signal the vulnerability of Iran’s internal security forces to regime opponents and to instill fear among Basij operatives, potentially deterring them from future actions against civilians.
Prior to the reported attack, Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s former shah, had urged his supporters to remain at home. In a recorded statement, Pahlavi said, “We are at a very critical stage in our final struggle. For your safety, leave the streets and remain in your homes.” He also encouraged continued strikes and protests, adding, “Continue to strike and not go to work. Continue singing loudly at night to show your solidarity. To the army and law enforcement forces: this is your last opportunity to separate yourselves from the forces of repression and join the people.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also addressed the Iranian public, stating, “In the coming days, we will create the conditions for you to take your fate into your own hands. Your dreams will create reality. When the right time comes—and it is approaching quickly—we will pass the torch to you.”
Earlier on Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had announced that dozens of Israeli Air Force fighter jets, guided by military intelligence, had conducted large waves of strikes against Iranian regime infrastructure in Tehran and other areas of Iran. The military reported that aircraft identified personnel at an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) headquarters in central Tehran, with fighter jets striking the site within seconds, killing those inside. The operation also targeted headquarters and bases belonging to Iran’s internal security forces and the Basij, along with the regime’s intelligence headquarters.
