Iran Lowers Military Support Age to 12

Iranian authorities announced on March 26, 2026, that they have lowered the minimum age for participation in military support roles to 12 years old, a decision made public during a state television interview in Tehran amid the ongoing war with the United States and Israel.

Rahim Nadali, a cultural official with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Tehran, confirmed the change as part of a recruitment drive called "For Iran," aimed at bolstering security forces. The initiative targets children to assist with tasks such as operational patrols, manning checkpoints, collecting security data, and organizing nighttime car caravans in the capital. Nadali stated that the adjustment responded to a surge in young volunteers, including those aged 12 and 13, who expressed interest in joining Basij youth militia activities. "At the Basij checkpoints and patrols that you see across the cities, we had a very high number of volunteers among young people and teenagers who wanted to participate," Nadali said. "Considering the ages of those requesting to join, we have now lowered the minimum age to 12 years old."

Residents in Tehran have reported increased sightings of armed minors performing...