Iran Holds First Military Training Course for Women Amid Regional Tensions

Tehran has conducted its inaugural military training course specifically for women, offering instruction in handling assault rifles, zip-lining, and first aid. The initiative is part of the regime's 'Jan Fada,' or 'sacrificing life,' campaign, which urges Iranians to make sacrifices.

Scores of women, many wearing the chador, participated in the training held at Imam Hussein Square in Tehran. This event occurs amid simmering Middle East tensions and concerns over global oil prices. Iran has reiterated its stance on potentially keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed unless its demands are met by the United States, while also stating there is "no military solution" to the current situation.

The training aligns with the regime's broader goal of establishing 1,000 volunteer resistance battalions across Iran. Held during Iran’s Sacred Defense Week, the course covered a range of military skills, including guerrilla tactics and survival techniques suitable for harsh conditions, according to Roya News.

This development follows reports from May, indicating that women and children were receiving instruction on operating high-powered assault weapons during public gatherings in Tehran. Footage from those events showed individuals being taught by Revolutionary Guard handlers.

Among the volunteers was state TV host Mobina Nasiri, who reportedly pledged that she and other women would serve as "cannon-fodder" if necessary. The 'Jan Fada' campaign has previously drawn international attention, including the summoning of Iran's ambassador to the UK in April following a social media post that encouraged British residents to join a "martyrdom" program. The UK Foreign Office deemed the communication "unacceptable and inflammatory," emphasizing that such actions are contrary to international norms and that the UK would take necessary measures to protect its national security.

The Iranian Embassy, however, maintained that the 'Jan Fada' program does not promote hostility.

In parallel, Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the U.S. agrees to Iran's terms, outlined in a memorandum of understanding from June. The closure of this vital waterway has contributed to significant increases in global oil prices. In response, G7 leaders agreed to release 100 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has emphasized that any further military confrontation would be met with a stronger response, reiterating that there is "no military solution" to the ongoing issues.