Iran reinstates cleric who led 2009 crackdown to head the Basij militia

Hossein Taeb, who commanded the Basij during the mass protests of June 2009 and led the IRGC's intelligence service for 13 years, has been reinstated to lead the paramilitary militia. He oversaw operations against journalists, dual nationals and dissidents. His return is seen as a signal that Tehran anticipates the need to manage potential domestic unrest in the near future.