On Sunday, October 5, 2026, Iran held a large volunteer forces mobilization exercise on Qeshm Island, located near the Strait of Hormuz. This event, titled "Sacrifice for Iran," was attended by about 5,000 men and women, as well as military and law enforcement forces and Basij members.
Exercise Held in Qeshm
This exercise, which took place on the coastal boulevard of Qeshm Island, included live military displays and parades showcasing the power and unity of Iran's armed forces against external threats, particularly from the United States and Israel. Local officials stated that the main goal of this event was to increase public readiness to defend the country.
Read more: Iran and the United States Dialogue Assessed Positively
Expansion of Volunteer Forces Mobilization
Reports from Iranian domestic media indicate similar gatherings in the Hormuz, Kish, and Abu Musa islands in the Persian Gulf. The "Sacrifice for Iran" exercise is part of a broader campaign initiated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps aimed at attracting volunteers and providing them with military training. This plan includes the formation of over 1,000 units and battalions.
This exercise was held amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States. Analysts believe that such displays are intended to boost national morale and send a message to other countries regarding Iran's defensive capabilities.
International Implications
Given the current state of relations between Iran and the United States, such exercises could exacerbate tensions in the region. Some experts believe that increased military activities by Iran could lead to stronger reactions from other countries, particularly the United States and its allies. Additionally, these movements may impact nuclear negotiations and international agreements.
In this context, Iran seeks to strengthen its position against international pressures and create a united internal front to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of external threats.
Read more: Iran Emphasized Inflexibility in Nuclear Program · 5,000-Strong Sacrifice Exercise Held on the Shores of the Persian Gulf
