Iran MPs form Janfada group as IRGC expands armed civilian mobilization

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Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, heads of parties and other Israeli officials gather for a family photo on the day of the…

Nearly 220 Iranian lawmakers have signed on to a new parliamentary group named after the Janfada initiative, an IRGC-linked campaign to recruit and train civilians for security duties, a senior lawmaker said Sunday.

Ruhollah Lak Aliabadi, deputy chairman of parliament's Health Committee, announced the formation of the Janfada Parliamentary Group during a parliamentary session, according to state news agency IRNA. He said the group would promote loyalty to the supreme leader, national unity and support for the Iran-backed Axis of Resistance.

The announcement comes as the Islamic Republic expands the Janfada campaign, launched during the war with the United States and Israel, to organize civilian volunteers into security units. The program includes firearms training, military exercises and the formation of volunteer battalions under the supervision of the Revolutionary Guards and Basij militia.

The mobilization has raised concerns that newly trained civilian forces could be deployed against domestic dissent and future protests. The Basij has played a central role in suppressing demonstrations, including the nationwide unrest earlier this year.

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