Iran has continued to respond assertively to U.S. and Israeli strikes, refusing to retreat amid rising tensions in West Asia. Reports of potential U.S. ground operations in Iran have prompted Tehran to heighten its military preparedness. Iranian media, citing military officials, stated that the country is mobilizing a special force of 1 million personnel to counter any American aggression, reflecting Tehran’s strong defensive stance.
While U.S. President Donald Trump maintains that ceasefire talks with Iran are ongoing, the United States is simultaneously expanding its military footprint across the region. In response, Iran has strengthened its Basij Force, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and other divisions to ensure immediate combat readiness. Officials warned that any incursion by U.S. forces into Iranian territory will be met with decisive retaliation, and a large number of volunteers from Basij and IRGC have reportedly applied to join the ranks.
In an extraordinary measure, Iran has reportedly lowered the minimum age for participation in military operations to 12 years under a program named “For Iran.” Young recruits are expected to assist in patrolling and manning checkpoints, highlighting the intensity of Tehran’s mobilization efforts amid escalating conflict in West Asia.
The escalating tension has also exposed vulnerabilities in Israel’s military. Reports indicate that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are currently understrength by 12,000 soldiers, raising concerns about operational readiness. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, IDF Chief of Staff, has highlighted the risk of weakened defense capacity and urged the government to take immediate corrective measures to address the shortage.
This manpower deficit has raised alarms among Israeli leadership about the country’s ability to confront Iran effectively. Lieutenant General Zamir reportedly sent letters to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials, emphasizing that an insufficient military force could undermine Israel’s response to Iranian actions. The situation underscores the growing challenges both Tehran and Jerusalem face as hostilities in the region continue to escalate.