The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and officials of the Islamic Republic have launched a campaign to mobilize noncombatants and train them in the use of weapons in different parts of Iran. In general training courses held in Tehran, IRGC and Basij forces are teaching civilians, including women, how to use weapons such as Kalashnikovs, sniper rifles, and RPGs.

These trainings are held with a focus on readiness for potential military clashes and on preserving the regime’s survival in an internal civil war.