Iranian state television has aired footage of men and women receiving basic weapons training inside mosques in several cities, describing the sessions as part of a campaign to strengthen “public readiness to defend the country.”
The broadcasts showed volunteers handling light weapons, taking part in group drills and learning how to operate, assemble and disassemble firearms. Iranian state media said the sessions were held in cities including Ahvaz, Kerman, Bijar, Shiraz and Zahedan, and involved men, women, youths and teenagers.
The training comes amid heightened tensions following the U.S.-Israel war with Iran and continuing uncertainty over the durability of the ceasefire. Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that the country remains on high alert and would respond forcefully to any renewed attacks. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also conducted recent readiness drills in Tehran and other areas.
State television framed the mosque-based sessions as a patriotic mobilisation effort. Some programmes also featured presenters handling rifles in studio segments and speaking about their willingness to join the war if necessary, according to Iran International and other outlets.
The broadcasts have drawn strong reactions on social media and among Iran watchers. Supporters of the government described the training as a necessary civil-defence measure in the face of foreign threats. Critics, however, said the imagery suggested an attempt to militarise loyalist civilians and could deepen fear inside the country, especially after months of war, inflation, internet restrictions and political pressure.
The use of mosques as training venues also carries symbolic weight. In Iran, many mosques are closely linked to the Basij, the volunteer paramilitary force affiliated with the IRGC, and have historically served as centres for mobilisation during national crises.
The latest footage appears intended to project resilience and deterrence at a time when Iran faces external pressure and internal strain. But it also highlights the government’s reliance on mass mobilisation messaging as conflict fears continue to shape public life.
