Iran’s authorities take ‘self-sacrifice’ mobilisation campaign nationwide

What the report says

Iranian authorities are expanding a nationwide mobilisation campaign called Janfada, or “those who sacrifice their life,” according to Al Jazeera. The drive, launched in late March during the conflict with the United States and Israel, is being promoted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Basij militia as a way to recruit and train civilians for support roles tied to security, emergency response and other state-backed activity. The campaign has been presented as open to men and women of different ages, with a stated focus on youth.

Al Jazeera reported that the programme has spread across many of Iran’s 31 provinces, with booths, street stations and organised events in cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad and others. IRGC officials said they want to use major squares in provincial capitals as training and equipment points for volunteers. The article also described drills, weapon-handling instruction and nighttime gatherings tied to the effort. In some places, residents have objected to noise and street closures, while officials have warned of loud exercises in advance.

The report places the campaign in the context of heightened tensions after months of war and unrest. Al Jazeera said Iranian authorities describe the mobilisation as support for the Islamic Republic and its “revolutionary” values, while human rights groups and critics see it as an intimidation tactic. The outlet also noted claims by the government that millions have registered, although no supporting evidence was provided in the article.