Basij

Basij, branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran that enlists civilian volunteers who are motivated by zealotry and devotion to the Islamic Republic. Members require less training than those in more regular divisions and are easily mobilized, and so they are often the first of the armed forces to respond to unrest. The Basij consists primarily of young working-class men (or boys under 18) who have yet to begin a career, marry, or have children.

Basij volunteers are often ideologically driven and deeply believe in their mission, and they can be quickly mobilized to the front line. During the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88) the Basij was responsible for the infamous “human wave” assaults, in which its members charged at Iraqi forces in the most dangerous situations, leading to high casualties but clearing the area for more highly trained troops. Since the 2000s it has taken a leading role in suppressing protests, most notably in the 2009 presidential election protests and the 2022–23 Woman, Life, Freedom protests.