Day 22 Of Iran Uprising: Regime Relies On Foreign Proxies And Chemical Attacks – OpEd

January 19, 2026 
By Mahmoud Hakamian


The nationwide uprising against the mullahs’ dictatorship in Iran has reached its twenty-second day on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The regime is now resorting to its most desperate measures yet.

Reports emerging on Sunday indicate that the regime, unable to quell the spirit of the rebellious youth with domestic forces alone, is importing foreign mercenaries and potentially deploying toxic chemical agents. Meanwhile, the Resistance has identified dozens more martyrs who sacrificed their lives for freedom.

Day 22 Roundup: Chemical weapons reports, 5,000 foreign mercenaries, and 58 new martyrs identified

On Sunday, January 18, 2026, the twenty-second day of the uprising revealed the depth of the regime’s desperation. As international isolation grows, the mullahs are turning to proxy militias and prohibited weapons to survive.

Key highlights from today include:Potential Chemical Attacks: A report by Newsweek cites credible sources indicating the regime may have used “toxic chemical substances” against protesters, a major escalation and violation of international law.
Foreign Mercenaries Deployed: German outlet Der Spiegel reports that 5,000 foreign militia members, including Iraqi PMU and Lebanese Hezbollah, have entered Iran to assist in the crackdown.
New Martyrs Announced: The PMOI has released the names of 58 additional martyrs of the uprising, including 11 women and several teenagers.
Regime Threats of “Compensation”: In a bid to intimidate families, Expediency Council member Abbas Ali Kadkhodaei demanded that protesters be forced to pay financial “compensation” for damages.
Airspace Warning: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has warned airlines to avoid Iranian airspace due to the high alert status of the regime’s air defense systems.
PMOI releases names of 58 more martyrs

The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) has announced the names of 58 more martyrs of the nationwide uprising following rigorous verification. Among these newly identified heroes are 11 women and several youths, highlighting the widespread participation of all sectors of Iranian society in the revolution.



The martyrs gave their lives in cities across the country, including Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj, Shiraz, Mashhad, and Rasht. Among them are 17-year-olds Borna Dehghani and Sam Afshari from Karaj, and 18-year-old Arshia Ahmad Pour from Baharestan, Isfahan.
Reports of toxic chemical substances used against protesters

In a shocking development, reports suggest the regime may be resorting to chemical warfare against its own citizens. According to Newsweek, former UK lawmaker Bill Rammell has cited a “credible report” from Iranian-Kurdish sources stating that “toxic chemical substances” have been used to suppress the protests.

The report indicates that these substances cause severe injuries leading to death days later. If confirmed, this would constitute a grave violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and represents an “extraordinary” escalation by the regime.
Regime imports 5,000 foreign mercenaries to quell uprising

With its domestic forces exhausted and demoralized, the regime is bringing in foreign proxies to hold onto power. Der Spiegel and CNN report that approximately 5,000 fighters from the regime’s proxy forces in Iraq and Lebanon have entered Iran to aid in the suppression.

These forces, primarily from the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) and Lebanese Hezbollah, reportedly entered the country under the guise of pilgrims visiting religious sites. This move underscores the regime’s lack of trust in its own security forces and its reliance on the terrorist network it has cultivated across the region.
Regime official demands “compensation” to bankrupt protesters

As the crackdown continues physically, regime officials are also attempting to exert financial pressure on the population. Abbas Ali Kadkhodaei, a member of the regime’s Expediency Discernment Council, has threatened protesters with financial ruin.

Using threatening language, Kadkhodaei stated that imprisonment is not enough and that protesters must be forced to pay “financial damages.” This tactic is viewed by observers as a means to intimidate families and impose further economic hardship on a populace already suffering from the regime’s corruption and mismanagement.


Mahmoud Hakamian writes for The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI), also known as Mujahedin-e-Khalgh (MEK)