Children as young as 12 are being recruited to support Iran’s war effort, according to accounts from inside the country and findings by leading rights organizations, raising alarm over potential violations of international law.
Residents in Tehran, speaking anonymously due to security fears, described a growing presence of civilians — including minors and elderly men — manning checkpoints and assisting security forces as the conflict escalates.
“They have even handed guns to children,” said one resident, identified as Parisa, who communicated through restricted internet channels amid a nationwide blackout. “The regime appears very afraid now. Its forces seem exhausted.”
Rights groups cite evidence of child recruitment
Organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, say they have verified images and videos showing minors in military-style uniforms carrying weapons and participating in patrols.
According to Amnesty, at least 16 pieces of visual evidence circulating online appear to show children armed with assault rifles at checkpoints or public rallies.
Recruitment notices attributed to Iran’s paramilitary Basij force — affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps — have reportedly called for volunteers starting from age 12. Duties include intelligence gathering, patrol operations, and stop-and-search activities.
Human Rights Watch stated that using children under 15 in armed roles constitutes a war crime under international law.
Communications blackout deepens risks
Verifying conditions inside Iran remains difficult due to a near-total internet shutdown and strict controls on foreign media access. Individuals caught communicating with international outlets risk severe punishment, including imprisonment or worse.
Despite the risks, residents continue to share accounts of deteriorating conditions and intensifying fear.
“This regime is using civilians as human shields,” Parisa alleged, claiming military-linked sites had been embedded within residential areas.
War pressure and recruitment surge
The reported recruitment drive comes as tensions rise following threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has warned of expanded strikes on Iranian infrastructure if Tehran fails to meet an April 7 deadline tied to negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said millions of citizens had volunteered to defend the country, reflecting a broader mobilization effort.
At the same time, U.S. troop deployments in the region have increased, with reports suggesting preparations for potential ground operations.
Civilians caught in deepening crisis
Residents describe worsening shortages of food, fuel, and electricity, alongside rising casualties. Iran’s Health Ministry says more than 2,000 people have been killed since the conflict began in late February, including hundreds of children.
“People are exhausted. They have no jobs, no money, and are under pressure from every direction,” said another resident, identified as Navid. “It feels like Syria now.”
While some Iranians oppose the government, many warn that foreign military escalation — particularly a ground invasion — could unify public sentiment against external forces.
“Even those critical of the regime would defend the country,” Navid said.
Growing humanitarian and legal concerns
The alleged use of child recruits has intensified scrutiny of Iran’s wartime conduct, with rights groups calling for urgent international attention.
As the conflict grinds on, civilians remain trapped between military escalation, economic collapse, and increasing insecurity — with children now appearing among those drawn into the front lines.
