Iran Recruits Minors for Civilian Campaigns Amid Regional Tensions

Iran is reportedly enlisting children under the age of 15 in its "Janfada" civilian mobilization campaign, launched in late March amid heightened tensions with the United States and Israel. The campaign's spokesperson, Sasan Zare, acknowledged that youth are being integrated to instill military concepts but denied that minors undergo official weapons training. Zare stated that official enrollment is for ages 15 and up, with women's training courses open from 18. However, he noted that for younger children, the focus is on patriotism, responsibility, first aid, safety, and a "culture of sacrifice and resistance." He explained to the Iranian news agency ILNA that instilling values from childhood has a more significant impact on their future.

These statements conflict with reports from human rights organizations, which accuse Iranian authorities of recruiting children into the Basij militia and deploying them at checkpoints. Amnesty International reported in April having verified evidence of 12-year-old children being placed at checkpoints and on patrols, some carrying weapons. According to Amnesty, Iranian law permits individuals under 15 to join the Basij as regular members, while those 15 and older can be active members and collaborate with the Revolutionary Guards on specific missions.

The opposition television network Iran International has also gathered evidence from several provinces showing teenagers carrying weapons at government rallies and operating at checkpoints. The Islamic Republic of Iran has intensified its civilian recruitment since early February, promoting enrollment through mosques, Basij bases, and public events, alongside military and emergency response training programs.

When questioned specifically about the use of minors at checkpoints, Zare claimed ignorance, stating such deployments fall under the authority of local police and security agencies. He added that his campaign provides training in urban and public security, but the decision to deploy volunteers at checkpoints rests with the operating units on the ground.