Iran Unveils 2026 Civil Defense Plan for War, Ceasefire and Post-War Scenarios

Iran has issued a 10-article directive outlining its civil defense programs for 2026, with preparations centered on three possible conditions: the end of war, a ceasefire or “neither war nor peace” situation, and full-scale war. The directive, issued by Major General Ali Abdollahi, chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces and head of the Permanent Committee for Civil Defense, designates October 26 to November 2 as Civil Defense Week under the slogan “People-centered civil defense, a resilient Iran.”

The programs will prioritize public awareness, preparedness, protection of civilians and national assets, and continuity of essential government services. Authorities have been instructed to update passive civil defense scenarios and operational plans at national, provincial, organizational, municipal and armed-forces levels, while incorporating lessons from what the directive describes as the second and third imposed wars. Training and drills will particularly address emerging human-made and hostile threats, distinguishing passive civil defense from conventional crisis management for natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.

The directive comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States and Israel following the February 28 conflict and subsequent confrontations. Tehran says the experience of recent hostilities demonstrates the need to strengthen infrastructure, improve public response capabilities and prepare for rapidly changing security conditions. Iranian authorities have therefore placed greater emphasis on building societal resilience and ensuring that essential services can continue operating under scenarios ranging from a ceasefire to renewed full-scale conflict.