Iran has been successively opening "civilian military training centers" to train citizens, China's Xinhua News Agency reported on November 4.

On November 2 local time, the opening ceremony for the third "Die for Iran" public military training center was held at Tajrish Square in the Iranian capital of Tehran.

Xinhua reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) demonstrated and explained parade drill, weapon operation, and high-altitude rope descent to the gathered citizens.

"Die for Iran" is a civilian mobilization campaign led by Iranian authorities after the war broke out between the United States and Iran this year.

Xinhua explained that as of April of this year, 24.1 million people had registered for the campaign through its website, and that President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also announced their participation.

As the campaign expanded, training centers were established successively in Tehran.

Seyed Youssef Molaei, deputy commander for education and training of the Revolutionary Guard, said, "Currently, more than 30 million people have participated in the campaign, and volunteers are receiving basic military training and learning how to use various equipment and weapons." He added, "The training received by volunteers spans various areas such as military, security, search, and humanitarian aid, and it is being conducted nationwide by the Revolutionary Guard and the paramilitary organization Basij (Mobilization of the Oppressed)."

Citing Iranian media, Xinhua reported that volunteers participating in the campaign are organized into grassroots teams and generations, receiving training in urban defense, general and special weapon knowledge, air defense training, search and rescue, firefighting, and positioning skills.

After completing the training, participants can undergo additional specialized training if they wish.

Based on these trainings, Iran has created the "Die for Iran" brigades.

Hassan Hassanzadeh, commander of the Revolutionary Guard for the Tehran region, introduced on November 2, "The 'Die for Iran' brigades have completed follow-up reinforcement training and equipment distribution, and are currently preparing for practical training courses, outdoor assembly drills, and specialized shooting training."

Xinhua reported that Iranians participating in the training are vowing to "defend their homeland."

According to the agency, Ali Rajabi, a bus maintenance technician, said, "I voluntarily registered for the campaign to defend the country and repel the enemy." Hossein Saifi, a kitchen cabinet maker, stated, "I have a responsibility to protect the country and my compatriots, and all of us gathered here share a common pledge to defend the nation."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)