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). The 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.