Basij Volunteer Force

The Basij Volunteer Force is a paramilitary organization in Iran, established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. It operates under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and consists mainly of volunteers, including students and local citizens. The Basij's duties include maintaining public order, promoting Islamic values, and supporting the government's policies. They often engage in social and cultural activities, as well as provide support in times of crisis, such as natural disasters. While viewed by some as a grassroots mobilization force, others see it as a means for the Iranian government to exert control and suppress dissent.