Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have lowered the volunteer age to 12 for non-combat support roles like checkpoints and patrols in Tehran, as announced by cultural official Rahim Nadali.
Basij Youth Program Expansion
The “Homeland Defenders of Iran” initiative registers young teens at mosques for street duties and logistics amid heightened security needs. Eyewitness accounts confirm armed teenagers at urban posts.
Global Backlash
This violates international protocols barring minors under 15 from military involvement, drawing condemnation from human rights groups during ongoing US-Iran tensions.
