TEHRAN, Iran — Thousands of Iranian civilians have completed initial military and emergency-response training in Tehran under the Janfada campaign, a nationwide mobilization initiative aimed at organizing 1,000 National Resistance Battalions involving up to one million volunteers.
Launched on March 28, 2026, by an organization affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the campaign encourages civilians to participate in national defence, security and emergency relief activities. The initiative was launched during the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Training Centres Expand Across Tehran
The training programme began in Tehran in September, with authorities establishing dedicated training centres in public squares. The first centre opened at Imam Hussein Square on September 23, followed by another at Haft-e Tir Square in early October. A third centre opened at Tajrish Square on November 2, while a dedicated training centre for women was inaugurated at Azadi Square on November 10.
According to Iranian officials, more than 600,000 people had registered for active training in Tehran by mid-September. A mobilisation event held on September 18 reportedly attracted approximately 313,000 participants, according to state sources. However, these attendance and registration figures have not been independently verified.
Military and Emergency Training
The programme includes basic weapons handling, marksmanship, urban defence, drone operation, first aid, search-and-rescue techniques and familiarisation with man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS).
Training is being conducted by instructors from the IRGC, Basij and Iranian Army, with courses designed for both men and women. Participants can progress through general, intermediate and advanced training stages.
The Iranian Army has also introduced longer training programmes at facilities such as the Javad al-Aemmeh Training Centre. These include three-month pre-basic courses covering military, defensive and emergency-response skills.
First Janfada Brigade Organised
On November 2, Hassan Hassanzadeh, commander of the Greater Tehran IRGC, announced that the first Janfada brigade had been organised, completed supplementary training and received equipment.
The brigade is preparing for practical field exercises and specialised shooting-range training. Iranian officials have indicated that additional battalions and brigades will be formed as volunteers complete the required training.
Ali Kowsari, a Basij training official, previously stated that 1,000 battalions had been prepared for training and organisation. The programme is also being expanded beyond Tehran, with plans to establish training facilities in provincial capitals and other cities.
One Million Volunteers Target
The broader objective is to establish a network of 1,000 National Resistance Battalions involving up to one million volunteers. The units are intended to operate alongside Iran's existing armed forces and Basij organisation rather than replace the country's regular military structure.
Although Iranian authorities previously claimed that more than 30 million people had registered for the original Janfada campaign, independent investigations have questioned the accuracy of that figure. The actual number of trained volunteers and newly recruited personnel remains unclear.
The campaign therefore represents an effort by Iran's military and security institutions to expand civilian participation in national defence and emergency preparedness amid continuing tensions with the United States and Israel.
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