Motorcycle patrols swarm Iranian cities, checkpoints rise as regime braces for unrest

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Iranian security forces have stepped up their presence in Tehran and other cities, with motorcycle patrols, checkpoints and forces positioned across major urban areas as authorities brace for possible unrest, multiple sources inside Iran told Fox News Digital.

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The security buildup comes as university students have returned to the streets in Tehran, protesting compulsory hijab rules, rising education costs and political repression, videos published on Iran International show.

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Sources inside Iran confirmed to Fox News Digital that motorcycle units have been operating across Tehran and other cities during events surrounding Iran’s annual “Sacred Defense Week,” while members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Basij and law enforcement have been positioned at major squares and other locations.

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The sources also said security personnel have stopped pedestrians, searched some individuals and examined mobile phones, including material authorities consider “anti-regime.”

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The accounts follow a report from the National Council of Resistance of Iran’s (NCRI’s) Committee on Security and Counterterrorism alleging that Iranian authorities ordered a “100%” state of readiness for the Army, IRGC, Basij and law enforcement and canceled leave through Sept. 27. The NCRI also claimed 51,000 personnel had been deployed across Greater Tehran, including 30,000 IRGC and Basij members and 21,000 law enforcement personnel. The reported preparations are taking place as signs of public unrest have begun resurfacing on university campuses. Fox News Digital has not independently confirmed those claims.

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One source in Tehran told Fox News Digital that the heightened security presence extends beyond what is visible on the streets. 

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This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News’ Efrat Lachter.