US and Israel Launch Month-Long Attacks Across Iran Region

Tehran, Iran - Iranian state television reported that children aged 12 or older are being allowed to join intelligence and security patrols and checkpoints. The IRGC’s deputy for cultural affairs in Tehran, Rahim Nadali, stated on Wednesday night that the age limit has been lowered to include individuals as young as 12 years old.

The city of Tehran continues to be heavily patrolled by state forces, with checkpoints and roadblocks becoming a common sight. Some of these checkpoints are manned by masked forces wielding assault rifles and machine guns mounted on pick-up trucks. The Basij force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is also involved in operating some of the checkpoints.

Residents have reported being invited to join gatherings at mosques, city squares, and streets, where they are encouraged to denounce foreign powers and express support for the Iranian government. State-affiliated media outlets have released footage of armed pro-state individuals, including women, carrying guns.

A series of air raids landed across Iran on Friday afternoon, targeting a civilian nuclear site, power posts, and industrial factories. The US has deployed thousands more soldiers to the region and is signaling that an attempt to occupy one or more islands on Iran’s southern shores may be imminent. Iranian officials have promised to retaliate strongly if this happens.

Despite the ongoing conflict, many residents are trying to maintain a sense of normalcy. Some people visit friends and loved ones indoors, while others go on daytime walks or work out at gyms that are open for limited hours.

Source: Al Jazeera