Iran's Revolutionary Guard Opens Women's Weapons Training Center in Tehran

Iran's "Revolutionary Guard" opened on Wednesday a military training center dedicated to female volunteers at Azadi Square in the capital Tehran, to train them in the use of firearms and defensive and military skills, as part of the "Sacrifice for the Homeland" program.

Iranian media outlets published images showing Revolutionary Guard members training participants on the use, preparation, and loading of rifles, as well as familiarizing them with military equipment. The training included activities using rappelling ropes and other equipment used in military drills.

The center is located in the western part of Azadi Square and is part of the "Sacrifice for the Homeland" program, which was launched following the start of American and Israeli military attacks on Iran in February 2026, aiming to organize and attract civilian volunteers to participate in defensive and military activities.

The Iranian website "Saham News" reported that the training included the use of "tactical weapons," which are specialized exercises for commando forces.

Brigadier General Alireza Salar Kia, deputy coordinator of the "Revolutionary Guard" in "Greater Tehran," stated that women constitute about 50% of the total 33 million people who, he said, announced their readiness to participate in the "Sacrifice for the Homeland" project.

On her side, Sudabeh Akbari, head of the "Women's Mobilization Organization in Greater Tehran Guard," said that volunteers will undergo specialized courses including the use of light weapons and pistols, familiarization with air defense systems, countering small drones, and using shoulder-fired weapons, in addition to first aid, rescue, and firefighting training.