Potential US-Israel offensive: Iran starts military training for women

Tehran: Iranian women are undergoing military training to prepare for a possible ground attack as tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel continue to escalate. Several women took part in weapons-handling and shooting drills at a military training centre in Tehran’s Imam Hussein Square under the supervision of military personnel.

The training comes amid a fresh exchange of threats between Washington and Tehran and growing fears of renewed military confrontation in the region. A similar civilian military training centre was opened a day earlier at Haft Tir Square in Tehran, with such facilities reportedly intended to prepare ordinary citizens to resist a possible ground offensive by the US and Israel.

Many women participating in the drills said their objective was to be prepared to protect their families and neighbourhoods if war breaks out. For some, the training is also seen as a way to overcome fear and gain confidence in the face of a potential conflict.

The developments come as diplomatic efforts remain stalled and US President Donald Trump has issued strong warnings against Iran. Tehran, however, has rejected the possibility of resolving the crisis through military action or sanctions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that any renewed military confrontation would trigger a stronger response from Iran. He stressed that the country would defend itself with greater force if its adversaries once again chose the path of military conflict.

With diplomatic efforts showing little progress and threats of renewed military action continuing, Iran’s decision to train civilians, including women, for possible conflict has heightened concerns across West Asia.