Iran’s latest move to lower the minimum age for participation in war-related activities to just 12 years old has sparked global outrage, as the regime openly recruits children for patrols, checkpoints, and logistical support. Officials claim that young volunteers are eager to serve, but critics argue this reflects a desperate regime willing to exploit its own youth to sustain conflict. This development adds to a long list of human rights abuses, including the documented killing, imprisonment, and mistreatment of children during protests and political crackdowns.

The use of minors in military roles is not new in Iran, but formalizing it marks a troubling escalation. Reports indicate that hundreds of children have already been killed during recent uprisings, while thousands more have faced violence and detention. Human rights organizations warn that this policy violates international law and exposes vulnerable children to unimaginable danger. As tensions in the region continue to rise, the regime’s willingness to deploy its youngest citizens underscores both its instability and its disregard for human life.

SOURCE: Algemeiner