Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said in a statement that the Iranian military has driven the “enemy” from waters off southern Iran to the Arabian Sea and warned that they would soon be pushed out from there as well.&nbsp;In a message marking the Iran-Iraq War and the anniversary of Israel’s killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in 2024, Khamenei said, “Having suffered painful blows from our valiant combatants and the guardians of the Strait of Hormuz, they [the enemy] dare not venture beyond the Arabian Sea.”“Whenever they have risked doing so, they have only inflicted harm upon themselves, and the time is fast approaching when the Arabian Sea, too, will be cleared of their presence,” he added.&nbsp;Iranian media published a written message from Mojtaba Khamenei which said, “Some see us as the fourth superpower in the world.”&nbsp;The message was also shared in a series of posts on the X handle of Mojtaba Khamenei as well as on the Telegram channel.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-men-arrested-on-terror-charge-in-uk-85-homes-evacuated-near-air-base-used-by-us-1790526434108">‘Terror suspects arrested near UK air base were looking to do big damage’: Trump</a>&nbsp;“Today, because of the painful blows they [the enemies] have suffered at the hands of the valiant [Iranian] fighters &amp; the guardians of the #Strait_of_Hormuz, they dare not advance beyond the Arabian Sea. It won’t be long before the Arabian Sea rids itself of their presence too,” the X post read.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, because of the painful blows they [the enemies] have suffered at the hands of the valiant [Iranian] fighters &amp; the guardians of the <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Strait_of_Hormuz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Strait_of_Hormuz</a>, they dare not advance beyond the Arabian Sea. It won’t be long before the Arabian Sea rids itself of their presence too.&mdash; Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei (@MKhamenei_ir) <a href="https://x.com/MKhamenei_ir/status/2104522022407619042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;“Today, there are various declarations of readiness throughout Islamic Iran, particularly for armed participation, creating an arena in which our people will gain honour and their enemy disgrace. I, as a servant of the dear people of Iran, declare that those bygone days to which our enemy longs to return have passed and will never be repeated,” he added.&nbsp;Referring to the Iran-Iraq war, Khamenei, who has not made a single appearance in public since being appointed the Supreme Leader, said, “During those days, the warm radiance of the Revolutionary sun throughout Iran radiated a gratifying sense of devotion to revolutionary Islam, melting away the ice of both classical and neo-colonialism.”&nbsp;“The opening days of the month of Mehr are a reminder of the eight-year defence of the Iranian nation in the First Imposed War,” he added.&nbsp;<h2>Iran’s currency hits historic low against US dollar amid inflation, sanctions</h2>&nbsp;Iran’s currency fell to its lowest level ever against the US dollar as the country faces severe inflation and punishing sanctions.According to pashizi.com, a website tracking Iran’s free foreign exchange market, the free market selling rate of the US dollar in Iran hit a record high of 2.3 million rials.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslim-marriage-cannot-shield-sex-with-minor-wife-from-prosecution-under-pocso-delhi-hc-1790518457378">Muslim marriage cannot shield sex with minor wife from prosecution under POCSO: Delhi HC</a>&nbsp;The severe depreciation of Iran’s currency comes as Iran struggles after the US announced Operation Economic Outcast, a new set of sanctions aimed at financially isolating Tehran further in the international economy.Iran’s annual inflation rate has hit 61.4 per cent. Moreover, official data shows that the country registered a 128.1 per cent year-on-year increase in food prices.&nbsp;The steep fall of currency reflects the pressure on Iranian households and businesses, as a weaker rial raises the cost of imported goods and adds to inflationary pressures. The crisis triggers fears of the persistent economic uncertainty and restricted access to foreign currency amid sanctions further weakening the purchasing power.&nbsp;<h2>Iran complains to ICAO and ICJ about US aviation sanctions</h2>&nbsp;Iran has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations over the US sanctions against its aviation sector that have forced the cancellation of flights.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/3-males-killed-four-others-injured-in-shooting-after-fight-at-strip-club-in-detroit-1790540584704">3 males killed, four others injured in shooting after fight at strip club in Detroit</a>&nbsp;“To defend the legitimate rights of the aviation industry and counter illegal restrictions imposed by America, Iran has drafted and submitted a formal protest to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO),” said civil aviation chief Abouzar Shiroudi, reported Iran’s official IRNA news agency.&nbsp;The ICAO is a UN agency based in Montreal, Canada that sets and regulates standards for civil aviation.&nbsp;“In cooperation with the Foreign Ministry, we have also filed a complaint with the International Court of Justice at The Hague,” Shiroudi added.&nbsp;Earlier this month, the US imposed restrictions on Iran’s aviation industry and warned international companies there would be consequences if they continued to work with Iranian airlines.&nbsp;

Iranian media published a written message from Mojtaba Khamenei which said, “Some see us as the fourth superpower in the world.” The message was also shared in a series of posts on the X handle of Mojtaba Khamenei as well as on the Telegram channel.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said in a statement that the Iranian military has driven the “enemy” from waters off southern Iran to the Arabian Sea and warned that they would soon be pushed out from there as well. In a message marking the Iran-Iraq War and the anniversary of Israel’s killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in 2024, Khamenei said, “Having suffered painful blows from our valiant combatants and the guardians of the Strait of Hormuz, they [the enemy] dare not venture beyond the Arabian Sea.” “Whenever they have risked doing so, they have only inflicted harm upon themselves, and the time is fast approaching when the Arabian Sea, too, will be cleared of their presence,” he added. Iranian media published a written message from Mojtaba Khamenei which said, “Some see us as the fourth superpower in the world.” The message was also shared in a series of posts on the X handle of Mojtaba Khamenei as well as on the Telegram channel. Also Read: ‘Terror suspects arrested near UK air base were looking to do big damage’: Trump “Today, because of the painful blows they [the enemies] have suffered at the hands of the valiant [Iranian] fighters & the guardians of the #Strait_of_Hormuz, they dare not advance beyond the Arabian Sea. It won’t be long before the Arabian Sea rids itself of their presence too,” the X post read.

Iranian media published a written message from Mojtaba Khamenei which said that some see Tehran as the fourth superpower in the world. The message was also shared in a series of posts on the X handle of Mojtaba Khamenei as well as on his Telegram channel.

Mojtaba Khamenei says ‘enemy forces’ will soon be driven out of Arabian Sea

As the war with Iran continues, Tehran’s Assembly of Experts — the powerful clerical body responsible for selecting Iran’s next supreme leader — has reportedly reached a majority consensus on a successor to the late Ali Khamenei.

Although the name hasn’t been officially announced, multiple sources say Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain leader, is being touted as the most likely candidate to assume the country’s highest political and religious authority.


Iran's Next Supreme Leader Decided: Khamenei's Son Mojtaba, Touted As Possible Successor

Amid this unrest, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered his first public address since the demonstrations began, calling for unity and denouncing foreign influence, while addressing the United States directly.

Amid this unrest, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered his first public address since the demonstrations began, calling for unity and denouncing foreign influence, while addressing the United States directly.

Iran 'rioters' want to please Trump; he should focus on US problems: 6 things Supreme Leader Khamenei said on protests

Iran is once again witnessing scenes its leadership knows all too well: shuttered bazaars, paralysed universities and protestors on the streets, once again challenging the Khamenei regime. What began as anger over a collapsing rial, persistent hyperinflation and cries for economic stability has escalated into a broader political outcry. Across Tehran, Isfahan, Lorestan, and other regions, demonstrators are no longer just demanding economic relief but now they are openly calling for the end of clerical rule. Videos circulating online show crowds chanting slogans such as ‘Mullahs must leave Iran’, ‘Death to Khamenei’ and ‘Shah will return’, as unrest across Iran enters sixth day, leaving little room for ambiguity.&nbsp;During these protests, a volunteer member of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was killed in Kuhdasht. Another 13 members of the Basij, a volunteer paramilitary affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, were reportedly wounded by the demonstrators, according to Reuters. These incidents, have brought the focus on the increasing volatility and dissent as the country faces its largest unrest in three years.&nbsp;The Iran-Iraq War (1980–88) transformed the IRGC into more of a conventional fighting force. Now highly institutionalised, it remains a force parallel to that of Iran’s regular armed forces. The IRGC include ground forces based across Iran’s 31 provinces, the Basij paramilitary force, naval force which is separate from the naval branch of Iran’s regular military, a separate air force and a cyber command.&nbsp;<h2>Origins and Structure of the Basij</h2>&nbsp;The Basij, formally known as the Organisation for the Mobilisation of the Oppressed (Sâzmân-e Basij-e Mostaz'afin), was established in 1980 at the behest of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who called for ‘20 million riflemen’ to defend the revolution. It is an Iranian paramilitary volunteer militia under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to Reuters, the Basij is a volunteer paramilitary force that operates under the direct loyalty of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;Research published in the Journal of Modern Science describes Iran’s security strategy as a ‘doctrine of mosaic defense,’ combining multi-layered territorial protection with asymmetric warfare. Within this framework, the role of Basij is not just limited to being a subsidiary of the IRGC but it also plays its part in central mechanism for social mobilisation, suppressing dissent, and achieving regime objectives. Beyond domestic enforcement, the Basij supports allied groups abroad and participates in regional conflicts, reflecting its dual role in internal and external Iranian strategy. It has frequently been accused of participating in violent crackdowns, notably during the 2009 presidential election and in November 2019 when the Basij were reportedly among the Iranian security forces responsible for the deaths of hundreds of men, women, and children.&nbsp;

Members of Iranian Paramilitary women forces - Basij

&nbsp;<h2>Functions and Influence</h2>&nbsp;According to the United States Institute of Peace, the Basij is an auxiliary force performing a wide range of duties, from internal security and law enforcement to policing morals and organising special religious or political events. The militia has its branches in nearly every city and town in Iran, giving the Supreme Leader a broad reach over society. It gained increased significance following the disputed 2009 election, when Khamenei mobilised the force to counter perceived 'domestic' threats. This growing influence has reinforced the Basij’s political and economic power, contributing to the militarisation of the Iranian regime.&nbsp;Despite its authority, the Basij is not immune to challenges. Its response to past protests has sometimes been criticised, and its limited budget constrains operations. But the attacks on Basij is not something new, the force has faced similar wrath of cilivians and 'terrorist groups' in the past. Integration into the IRGC Ground Forces in 2008 further reshaped its structure, while US and international sanctions on the IRGC could weaken its capacity. Yet its centrality to Iran’s internal security apparatus remains unquestioned.&nbsp;<h2>Contemporary Relevance and Regional Role</h2>&nbsp;As protests continue across the country, Basij volunteers have been active in providing both security and public support. During the Israel-Iran conflict in June 2025, Revolutionary Guards Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour stated, “Basij volunteers were active in the fields of security and public support from the first day of the escalation.” In the same war, Mohammad Taghi Yousefvand, commander of intelligence protection for Basij forces, was killed during the Israeli missile strike.&nbsp;In Iran’s complex power structure, the Basij remains the regime’s “eyes and ears,” a versatile tool for both domestic control and regional influence. Its deep integration with the IRGC, wide-reaching network, and ideological commitment ensure that as protests intensify, the Basij will continue to be central to the survival and projection of Iran’s clerical leadership.

The IRGC include ground forces based across Iran’s 31 provinces, the Basij paramilitary force, naval force which is separate from the naval branch of Iran’s regular military, a separate air force and a cyber command.

Iran is once again witnessing scenes its leadership knows all too well: shuttered bazaars, paralysed universities and protestors on the streets, once again challenging the Khamenei regime. What began as anger over a collapsing rial, persistent hyperinflation and cries for economic stability has escalated into a broader political outcry. Across Tehran, Isfahan, Lorestan, and other regions, demonstrators are no longer just demanding economic relief but now they are openly calling for the end of clerical rule. Videos circulating online show crowds chanting slogans such as ‘Mullahs must leave Iran’, ‘Death to Khamenei’ and ‘Shah will return’, as unrest across Iran enters sixth day, leaving little room for ambiguity. During these protests, a volunteer member of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was killed in Kuhdasht. Another 13 members of the Basij, a volunteer paramilitary affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, were reportedly wounded by the demonstrators, according to Reuters. These incidents, have brought the focus on the increasing volatility and dissent as the country faces its largest unrest in three years. The Iran-Iraq War (1980–88) transformed the IRGC into more of a conventional fighting force. Now highly institutionalised, it remains a force parallel to that of Iran’s regular armed forces. The IRGC include ground forces based across Iran’s 31 provinces, the Basij paramilitary force, naval force which is separate from the naval branch of Iran’s regular military, a separate air force and a cyber command. Origins and Structure of the Basij The Basij, formally known as the Organisation for the Mobilisation of the Oppressed (Sâzmân-e Basij-e Mostaz'afin), was established in 1980 at the behest of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who called for ‘20 million riflemen’ to defend the revolution. It is an Iranian paramilitary volunteer militia under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to Reuters, the Basij is a volunteer paramilitary force that operates under the direct loyalty of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Research published in the Journal of Modern Science describes Iran’s security strategy as a ‘doctrine of mosaic defense,’ combining multi-layered territorial protection with asymmetric warfare. Within this framework, the role of Basij is not just limited to being a subsidiary of the IRGC but it also plays its part in central mechanism for social mobilisation, suppressing dissent, and achieving regime objectives. Beyond domestic enforcement, the Basij supports allied groups abroad and participates in regional conflicts, reflecting its dual role in internal and external Iranian strategy. It has frequently been accused of participating in violent crackdowns, notably during the 2009 presidential election and in November 2019 when the Basij were reportedly among the Iranian security forces responsible for the deaths of hundreds of men, women, and children.

The IRGC include ground forces based across Iran’s 31 provinces, the Basij paramilitary force, naval force which is separate from the naval branch of Iran’s regular military, a separate air force and a cyber command.

Iran protest: Basij militia, the 'eyes and ears of the regime', faces attacks. All about its history, role and power

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