Iran Tests Emergency Alerts Amid War Fears

By Amir Daftari

Iran carried out a sweeping test of its mobile phone emergency warning system on Friday, issuing trial alerts to selected users as the country confronts mounting anxieties over the prospect of a broader regional war.

Since its 12-day war with Israel in June, Tehran has been openly preparing for multiple conflict scenarios.

The highly visible test marked Iran’s latest effort to project readiness and strengthen civilian protection measures as officials continue warning that the region has entered an increasingly perilous phase.

Newsweek has contacted Iran’s Foreign Ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

The exercise underscored Iran’s push to strengthen emergency response systems after the June conflict exposed major weaknesses in public alerting and civilian protection.

The fighting drew in the United States, which carried out strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, reinforcing Tehran’s belief that it must be able to warn the public quickly in a future confrontation. Officials say reliable communication is essential amid rising geopolitical risks and the constant threat of natural disasters.

What To Know

Iranian media reported that the drill was part of a technical assessment of the cell broadcasting system used to warn residents during emergencies.

Selected users received alerts between 10 a.m. and noon local time, including a test notification that said, “This is a test message from the emergency alert system.”

The warning appeared automatically on some devices, and for some users, it produced sound or vibration.

Authorities stressed that the alert required no action from the public and emphasized that the drill did not indicate any actual threat.

An X user shared a video showing Iran’s recent emergency alert test, including the message that appeared on users’ phones.

The post captured both the notification itself and the accompanying text, providing a firsthand look at how the nationwide system was deployed during the drill.

Growing Emphasis on Preparedness

The test followed a series of warnings from senior Iranian officials who have spoken increasingly of the possibility of renewed or expanded conflict.

After the 12-day war, civil defense agencies began reexamining emergency procedures, highlighting the need for faster communication systems, clearer public guidance and coordinated national readiness planning.

Tehran’s Shelter Shortfalls

The drill took place amid ongoing criticism of Tehran’s limited civilian shelter network. City Council Chief Mehdi Chamran previously acknowledged that only a small number of new protective structures had been prepared “in special places,” saying their locations would not be disclosed.

Iran’s defense agency has similarly noted that most residents will continue to rely on metro stations, underground parking structures and basements during emergencies.

During the June conflict, senior Iranian officials—including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—retreated to secure underground facilities, while ordinary residents lacked designated public shelters. City council members later said Tehran had not developed a comprehensive shelter plan in decades, leaving civilians dependent on improvised or partial protection sites.

What Happens Next

Iranian authorities plan to analyze the results of Friday’s alert test to guide improvements to the country’s emergency warning system and overall preparedness.

They confirmed that future drills would cover a wider area and involve additional mobile operators. Officials said schedules for these upcoming exercises would be shared through official channels, signaling a continued focus on strengthening national readiness.