Iran has launched its first women-only military training centre in Tehran, allowing female volunteers to receive instruction in weapons handling and emergency response as the country remains caught in a wider Middle East conflict.
The centre was inaugurated on Tuesday at Azadi Square, with officials of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attending the ceremony.
The initiative, known as “Janfada”, meaning “Sacrifice for Iran”, has attracted dozens of women who were seen participating in military-style exercises, including climbing walls, using tactical ziplines and assembling rifles.
One of the participants, identified as Faeze, said she joined the programme because she considers defending her country and community a responsibility.
She said the training would equip women to protect their neighbourhoods and cities, particularly in situations where men might be deployed to the battlefront.
“If the men go to the battlefront and the city is left empty, women will be able to defend themselves,” she said.
The programme represents a notable development in Iran, where women are not subject to the compulsory military service imposed on men.
IRGC officials have reportedly described the response to the initiative as overwhelming, with experienced military instructors expected to lead the training.
Beyond weapons instruction, the programme covers firefighting, rescue operations, self-rescue and civil emergency assistance.
Sudabeh Akbari, head of the Women’s Basij Organisation under the IRGC Greater Tehran command, said participants would receive training in general weapons, handguns and emergency-response activities.
“Our women here receive training in general weapons, handguns, firefighting, rescue, self-rescue, and civil assistance,” she said.
The opening of the facility comes as the Middle East conflict continues, following the United States and Israel’s strikes against Iran in February, according to the supplied report.
The initiative highlights Tehran’s efforts to involve more women in community preparedness and emergency response as tensions in the region persist.
