Armed teenagers on patrol strike fear into Tehran residents

During the first weeks of the war against the United States and Israel, checkpoints sprang up around the capital, often comprising police or military vehicles, with traffic cones and barriers blocking the roads. In recent days, following highly publicised airstrikes on their positions, some of the most visible barriers have been removed, but security forces remain a noticeable presence on the streets. Iranian authorities have confirmed they are recruiting children as young as 12 for paramilitary group patrols, traffic checks and other duties.