Iran has intensified preparations for volunteers under the Janfada campaign, which was launched in March 2026. As part of this initiative, women from several provinces are undergoing military training that includes shooting, urban combat, first aid, and drone operation. This development indicates a new level of mobilization in Iran, linked to the structures of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij.
The first military training session for the Janfada national female team took place during the Sacred Defense Week. The training combines military preparation, emergency response, survival skills, and crisis management. Participants are trained in self-defense, urban combat, shooting, drone operation, handling various firearms, and rescue operations. Several female units from different provinces, including Kerman, Isfahan, Markazi, Tehran, Alborz, and Gerash, are part of this initiative.
These training programs are overseen by the National Commando Unit. However, the mobilization of women is just one aspect of a broader program aimed at establishing 1,000 national popular resistance battalions and an equal number of emergency intervention units tailored to war and security threats. Organizers claim that the initial quota of 1,000 battalions was met within 100 minutes of opening the registration portal.
The program officially commenced in Tehran on September 19, 2026, and is set to expand gradually to other provinces. The planned modules include neighborhood security, military preparation, intelligence and counter-espionage, and the use of micro-drones and portable missile systems. The training also covers urban settings, with a simulated military training complex installed on Emam Hossein Square in Tehran for civilians to participate in practical exercises.
The Janfada campaign, often described as a call to "sacrifice for Iran," is linked to the IRGC and Basij mobilization structures. The campaign's expansion to include women and its comprehensive training programs indicate a significant escalation in Iran's preparedness for potential conflicts. This development has raised concerns about Iran's military ambitions and its readiness to respond to security threats.
The Iranian government's efforts to mobilize its population, including women, for potential conflict have been met with varied reactions. While some view it as a necessary measure to ensure national security, others see it as an escalation of military tensions in the region. The international community has been monitoring these developments closely, given the implications for regional stability.
As Iran continues to enhance its military preparedness, the global community remains vigilant about the potential consequences of these actions. The situation in Iran and its impact on regional and global security will likely continue to be a subject of significant interest and concern.
Key points
- Iran's Janfada campaign includes military training for women from various provinces.
- The program aims to establish 1,000 national popular resistance battalions.
- The training covers a range of skills, including urban combat, drone operation, and emergency response.
