Tehran brings back cleric behind 2009 protest crackdown to head its Basij militia

AI Summary

Hossein Taeb has been reinstated to lead Tehran's Basij militia, having previously commanded the force during the 2009 protests and led IRGC intelligence. His return indicates Tehran's preparedness to manage potential unrest.

Hossein Taeb commanded the Basij during the mass demonstrations of June 2009 and led the IRGC's intelligence service for 13 years, overseeing operations against journalists, dual nationals and dissidents. His return signals that Tehran fears it might need to manage unrest in the near future.