Iran Expands Nationwide 'Self-Sacrifice' Mobilization Campaign to Arm and Train Civilians

Iran's authorities are intensifying efforts to equip and train civilians for service within the state security apparatus, preparing them for potential domestic and international threats amidst heightened concerns of renewed conflict with the United States and Israel. This nationwide public mobilization initiative, known as Janfada, meaning "those who sacrifice their life," was initially launched in late March during the peak of the war with the US and Israel. It has since expanded across significant portions of the country, aiming to recruit both male and female volunteers, with a particular emphasis on youth, though it remains open to all age groups.

Representatives from the Basij militia of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other state entities are actively engaging the public at numerous street booths and stations. Here, they offer training on the use of weapons and other equipment designed to defend the government and its "revolutionary" values. State-organized events and armed "exercises" associated with the mobilization campaign have been conducted in major cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Zanjan, Shiraz, Kerman, Mashhad, Bojnord, and Ahvaz, as well as in smaller urban centers across Iran's 31 provinces.

Ali Kowsari, Basij's deputy for training, revealed that the IRGC intends to utilize at least 14 primary squares in Tehran as training and equipment hubs for Janfada volunteers. He also stated the objective is to establish one to three such squares in the capital city of every province. State-run nighttime events, featuring rallies and daytime motorcades, are also part of the campaign. A resident from Gilan province shared that state-run stations are a common sight on streets in both large and small cities within the province, offering practical training with live ammunition, including weapon loading, handling, and aiming. These organizers are predominantly older men, who often gather nightly in main squares, playing revolutionary music and chanting through loudspeakers.

In Rasht, Gilan province, residents recently voiced objections to the noise and street closures caused by a nighttime pro-government gathering, which reportedly escalated into a physical altercation. Authorities in Karaj, Alborz province, near Tehran, have warned residents of potential explosions and loud noises from upcoming Janfada exercises. Last week, a significant mobilization campaign took place in Kurdistan province, bordering Iraq. While the IRGC-linked Tasnim News Agency described a procession in the provincial capital, Sanandaj, as an exercise in "unity" between Shia and Sunni populations, foreign-based Iranian human rights groups have labeled these armed mobilization efforts as "intimidation" campaigns, occurring months after nationwide protests where many young people were reportedly killed.

The government has acknowledged the protests but characterized them as a US and Israeli-orchestrated "coup" attempt. Mehran Kamrava, a professor of government at Georgetown University in Qatar, commented that the US-Israeli conflict with Iran provides an "opening for the more revolutionary elements of the Iranian body politic." He likened the situation to riding a bicycle, where constant effort is needed to maintain relevance, which he believes is the goal of the Janfadas and their leaders. He also noted that these mobilizations allow revolutionary figures within the Iranian leadership to stage displays of political and ideological loyalty.

The government claims 33 million Iranians have registered on the campaign's website, a figure that, if accurate, would represent over a third of the country's population. However, evidence supporting this number is scarce. Earlier this year, activists examining the website's source code indicated that fewer than four million people had registered, with only a phone number required for sign-up. Nematollah Bagheri, IRGC commander for Lorestan province, stated the campaign's aim is to demonstrate popular support for the Islamic Republic and its revolution. Organizers also suggest registrants could be involved in future rescue operations, social services, and providing media and financial support, as well as conserving resources like fuel and electricity to mitigate the impact of US sanctions.

The expansion of this campaign has intensified following nearly eight months of conflict, which has resulted in thousands of casualties, economic hardship, and destruction of civilian infrastructure. Children have become a key focus, with schools increasingly involved. Education Minister Alireza Kazemi announced plans for registering "student Janfadas" and holding further mobilization events involving children. Professor Kamrava suggests that while such mobilization may not broaden the state's legitimacy among the general populace, it reinforces the beliefs of existing supporters, strengthens commitment to the revolution's mission, and perpetuates a "siege mentality" among revolutionaries.