RismadarVoice Reporters
November 11, 2026
Iran has opened a military training centre for female volunteers at Azadi Square in Tehran as the country strengthens civilian defence preparations amid continuing tensions with the United States and Israel.
The facility, inaugurated on Tuesday, November 10, forms part of a nationwide mobilisation programme known as Jan Fada, meaning Sacrifice for Iran.
According to the Associated Press and Anadolu Agency, the programme is designed to equip civilian volunteers with basic military, self-defence, and emergency-response skills in preparation for possible attacks.
Women participating in the opening exercises were seen handling assault rifles, navigating obstacle courses, descending walls using ropes and taking part in other tactical activities.
The training programme also includes instruction in using different weapons, drones,s and air defence systems, alongside physical endurance exercises.
Participants are expected to attend training sessions at least twice weekly.
Iranian authorities said the initiative was intended to strengthen national defence readiness and expand women’s participation in security-related activities.
Sudabeh Akbari, an official of the Women’s Basij Organisation in Tehran, said Iranian women considered defending their country against foreign aggression a national responsibility.
She explained that the programme would provide opportunities for women to participate in specialised training and activities supporting national security.
Alireza Salarkiya, a senior commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said the Azadi Square facility was the fourth training centre established in Tehran under the mobilisation initiative.
He also claimed that millions of Iranians had registered for the broader volunteer programme, although the figures have not been independently verified.
Some female volunteers said they joined the training to prepare themselves to defend their communities in the event of a foreign military assault.
The initiative comes amid continuing security tensions involving Tehran, Washington and Israel following months of military confrontation and unsuccessful efforts to secure a lasting settlement.
Iranian officials have repeatedly expressed concerns about the possibility of renewed attacks and have expanded civilian preparedness programmes in response.
Beyond military training, the wider mobilisation initiative includes emergency relief preparation and logistical support.
The opening of the women’s training centre reflects Iran’s efforts to broaden civilian participation in national defence.
However, participation in the programme does not necessarily mean that volunteers have been formally enlisted in the country’s regular armed forces or assigned to combat operations.
