In a startling escalation of domestic mobilization, Iranian state television has begun broadcasting live weapon training sessions for the general public, while s. President Donald Trump, which have triggered a wave of apprehension across the Islamic Republic. From young children to elderly citizens, Iranians are being encouraged to learn how to operate lethal firearms, specifically the AK-47 assault rifle, as the nation prepares for a potential ground invasion by American forces.
Live Studio Training with IRGC Experts
The training sessions aren't merely instructional videos but are being conducted live within television news studios. News anchors, who are usually seen reporting the day's events, are now appearing on screen brandishing assault rifles. These broadcasts are conducted under the direct supervision of experts from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), who are often seen masked while providing technical guidance. The primary objective of these live programs is to ensure that the common populace follows the instructions and unites against the United States by taking up arms. Recent photos and videos from Tehran show citizens publicly practicing their shooting skills, indicating a widespread effort to militarize the civilian population.
Anchors Firing Rifles on National Television
Several video clips from Iranian state television have recently gone viral, showcasing the intensity of these training sessions, while in one notable instance on the government-run Ofogh channel, anchor Hossein Hosseini was seen receiving instruction from a masked IRGC member. During the live broadcast, Hosseini actually fired a shot from his rifle within the studio premises to demonstrate the weapon's operation to the viewers. This act was intended to show the readiness of the media and the public to engage in combat if necessary.
Female Anchors and the Call for Sacrifice
The mobilization effort isn't limited to male anchors, while in another widely circulated video, Mobina Nasiri, a prominent female anchor for Channel 3, addressed the audience while holding an assault rifle with both hands. She informed the viewers that the IRGC had sent her the weapon so that she, like the rest of the citizens, could learn how to use it effectively. " Such displays are being used to foster a sense of nationalistic duty among the Iranian people.
Widespread Training and Involvement of Children
According to reports from Al Jazeera, the scope of this military training extends far beyond television studios. Defense training sessions involving light weapons have been organized for civilians in mosques across various cities, while disturbing images and videos have emerged from Tehran and other regions showing young children being taught how to handle and aim guns. These public displays of weapon training are seen as a clear signal that Iranian authorities are readying the entire population for a possible military confrontation, while cNN reported that Ofogh News aired these shooting training programs during live broadcasts on May 15 and May 16, highlighting the immediate response to the escalating rhetoric.
Trump's Warning and the Urgency of Time
The impetus for this nationwide weapon training campaign is the recent series of threats issued by Donald Trump. Amidst the ongoing tensions and the threat of a ceasefire collapse, Trump has once again suggested the possibility of military action. On Sunday, Trump issued a stern warning, stating, "Time is running out for Iran. " This direct warning has prompted the Iranian state to accelerate its efforts to prepare the public for war.