OPINION:
The Resistance Units are a nationwide grassroots network of ordinary Iranians committed to ending the clerical dictatorship and establishing a democratic republic. Composed largely of young men and women born after the 1979 revolution, they operate throughout all 31 provinces and are deeply embedded within Iranian society. Women play a particularly prominent leadership role, inspired by the sacrifices of generations of female political prisoners and activists.
Formed in 2014, the Resistance Units’ resilience, discipline, and growing nationwide presence have made them the principal organized force challenging the regime from within. Their continued expansion demonstrates that, despite unprecedented repression, the demand for freedom, democracy, and a secular republic continues to grow stronger across Iran.
The Resistance Units are integrated into local communities. Their mission is to break the regime’s climate of fear, organize popular resistance, expose state crimes, and mobilize citizens for democratic change. Despite relentless repression, surveillance, and executions, the movement continues to expand, reflecting the growing disconnect between the regime and the Iranian people.
The Resistance Units played a critical role during the nationwide uprising of January 2026. They carried out 630 operations against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to protect peaceful protesters from violent attacks and helped liberate three cities in western and southwestern Iran, which remained outside the regime’s control for a couple of days. During the uprising, approximately 2,000 Resistance Unit members were killed, detained, or forcibly disappeared while defending protesters and organizing resistance.
On February 23, 2026, a contingent of 250 Resistance Unit fighters launched a daring assault on Ali Khamenei’s heavily guarded compound in central Tehran. One hundred were either killed, detained or disappeared, the names of 82 of whom were submitted to the United Nations to investigate. Approximately 150 fighters successfully withdrew and returned safely to their bases after completing the operation.
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