“Janfada” Drill: Armed Volunteers, Basij Mobilization and the Unusual Appearance of Female Motorcyclists in Tehran

The route through central Tehran

The location of the event was itself important.

The parade route between Imam Hossein Square and Enqelab Square crosses a major section of central Tehran.

Holding the event in a highly visible urban corridor makes it impossible to treat the exercise as an isolated military base activity.

The mobilization was deliberately brought into the public space.

Iranian public transportation authorities announced special arrangements for the event, including additional buses and changes to some routes because of the gathering and associated traffic restrictions.

The Tehran emergency medical service also announced extensive preparations, including helicopters, ambulances, motorcycle ambulances, command vehicles and operational personnel.

This logistical preparation illustrates the scale of the event.

September 18, 2026 | 5:45 pm