What’s behind Iranian authorities’ push for a mass mobilisation campaign?

“Do you know how to work with this?” reads the text on banners erected across Tehran, emblazened with the image of a rocket-propelled grenade, a sniper or assault rifle, or other military or communications equipment.The Iranian authorities’ public messaging campaign is part of a push to train and arm volunteer civilians who would serve as part of state security under the Basij militia arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4US-Iran talks in deadlock – what’s the latest?list 2 of 4Iran says Strait of Hormuz under its control, rejects Trump claimslist 3 of 4Mahsa Amini death four years on: Iranians reflect on ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’list 4 of 4Iranians rally in biggest show of defiance against US since war beganend of listThe Islamic Republic first unveiled the messages as part of a major mobilisation drive – called Janfada or “those who sacrifice their life” – in late March at the peak of the war with the United States and Israel.Janfada recruits held their first public “military exercise” on Friday in Tehran, where thousands of children, women and men – many masked and wearing shades – marched on downtown streets.Prior to the ...