Children's Recruitment in Iran Sparks Global Condemnation

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched 2026 recruitment drive for 12-year-olds.
Rahim Nadali, cultural official, oversees Basij patrol duties for recruits.
Personnel shortages led to expansion of child recruitment, echoing 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War.
11-year-old Alireza Jafari died at Tehran checkpoint in 2026.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International called recruitment a war crime.
Bill Van Esveld condemned targeting 12-year-olds for military roles.
Pegah Banihashemi warned of societal risks from untrained minors in security.

Human Rights | War Crimes | Recruitment

Iran | Tehran

Rahim Nadali | Alireza Jafari | Bill Van Esveld | Pegah Banihashemi

1 day ago