Iranian civilians receive military training in mosques, reflecting state-mandated civil defense mobilization
Original framing: “Iranian civilians get defence training” — Al Jazeera
This training echoes the civil defense initiatives of the Iran-Iraq War, where civilians were mobilized to protect their communities. The current program reflects a continuation of that strategy, adapted to contemporary geopolitical threats and internal security concerns.
The training of Iranian civilians in mosques reflects a systemic strategy of integrating religious institutions into state security frameworks, a practice with deep historical roots in the region.
This approach, while effective in consolidating state power, risks deepening social divisions and normalizing militarization. To address these challenges, inclusive civil defense planning, community-based peacebuilding, and international dialogue are essential. Drawing on cross-cultural models and indigenous knowledge can provide alternative pathways to security that prioritize social cohesion and human well-being over militaristic solutions.