On 17th May 2026, In Tehran, Iran, women were reportedly seen participating in civilian firearm training sessions where instructors demonstrated how to field strip, reassemble, and handle AK-style rifles as part of wider preparedness drills linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij forces. The sessions reportedly included basic weapon handling, operational drills, and assembly practice, with visuals showing women actively taking part in the exercises. The training activities emerged during a period of heightened regional tensions and coincided with broader IRGC readiness and mobilization exercises being conducted around Tehran. #iran