IRGC Colonel Mahdi Rahimi killed by anti-regime protesters in Iran

#BREAKING | Iran — Colonel Mahdi Rahimi, a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has been killed by anti-regime protesters in Iran. Rahimi was reportedly involved in commanding IRGC forces that opened fire on demonstrators in the town of Malekshahi, located in Ilam province, on January 3, 2026, leading to multiple fatalities among the protesters. Eyewitness accounts suggest that surviving demonstrators identified Rahimi"s residence and confronted him there as an act of retaliation for his role in the violence.

Key Details

Colonel Mahdi Rahimi, also referred to as Mehdi Rahimi, was a high-ranking officer in the IRGC, an elite military force in Iran responsible for both internal security and external military operations. His death marks a significant event in the ongoing anti-regime protests that have swept across Iran, particularly following the violent crackdown on demonstrators in early January.

On January 3, 2026, during a protest in Malekshahi, Rahimi"s forces were accused of opening fire on demonstrators, resulting in multiple deaths. The exact number of fatalities has not been confirmed, but reports indicate that the incident sparked outrage among the local population. In a retaliatory move, protesters managed to locate Rahimi"s home, where they confronted him, leading to his death.

Local media outlets affiliated with the IRGC in Ilam province have confirmed the death of an officer named Lt. Colonel Mehdi Rahimi during clashes with protesters. However, initial reports from state media attempted to downplay the incident, attributing his death to a domestic accident, such as a gas leak, rather than acknowledging the violent circumstances surrounding it.

Background

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has been a central figure in Iran"s political landscape, often acting to suppress dissent and maintain the regime"s grip on power. The protests that have erupted across the country in recent months are part of a broader movement against the Iranian government, fueled by public discontent over economic hardship, political repression, and social issues.

Eyewitness accounts and opposition reports have played a crucial role in documenting the events surrounding the protests, often contradicting official narratives from the Iranian government. The situation remains tense, with ongoing clashes reported in various regions, including Ilam province, where Rahimi was killed.

What"s Next

The death of Colonel Mahdi Rahimi may have significant implications for the ongoing protests in Iran. It is likely to embolden anti-regime activists and could lead to further escalations in violence as protesters seek to hold accountable those responsible for the crackdown on dissent. The Iranian government, facing increasing pressure, may respond with heightened security measures and further crackdowns on protests, as seen in previous instances of civil unrest.

As the situation develops, international observers will be closely monitoring the Iranian government"s response and the potential for increased unrest. The protests have already drawn attention from global media and human rights organizations, highlighting the need for accountability and reform within the Iranian political system.

For further context on the ongoing situation in Iran, see our previous reports on the government"s crackdown on dissent and the involvement of special forces in detaining protest organizers.