12-year-old children and women armed by Iran to suppress protests  

The Iranian regime has expanded armed mobilization in cities, providing weapons training to women and minors while increasing security readiness amid fears of renewed protests.

Women, children, and teenagers have appeared in firearms training sessions held at mosques, centers, and public spaces. Children as young as 12 have also been involved in checkpoints, patrols, and security activities.

The regime is reinforcing Basij deployments, expanding neighborhood networks, and organizing urban combat training as economic hardship increases the risk of further protests.

Human rights groups have documented children at checkpoints linked to the Revolutionary Guard and Basij, with some carrying weapons, extending the use of minors within an apparatus central to suppressing previous protests.

As Iranians brace for greater economic pressure, the regime is widening its armed ranks and tightening control over streets and neighborhoods, driven by fears of renewed unrest.