In Tehran, members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard now frequently demonstrate the handling of Kalashnikov-style assault rifles to the public. Parade events showcase military vehicles armed with Soviet-era machine guns. At one mass wedding, a ballistic missile was even displayed on stage, a reminder of those used against Israel.
This display of weaponry comes as tensions rise with the U.S., following President Donald Trump’s threats to rekindle hostilities if talks with Iran falter and the nation refuses to relinquish control over the Strait of Hormuz.
These weapon exhibitions respond to real threats. Trump has insinuated the possibility of U.S. forces seizing Iran’s enriched uranium reserves by force. He has also hinted at providing arms to Kurdish forces for use against anti-government protests. However, these displays also reassure hard-liners and entertain citizens amid economic challenges like mass layoffs, business closures, and soaring costs for essentials.
Tougher measures could suppress potential protests against Iran’s ruling regime, which previously cracked down on demonstrations in January, reportedly killing over 7,000 people and detaining tens of thousands.
This is necessary for all our people to get trained because we are in a war situation these days,said Ali Mofidi, a 47-year-old Tehran resident, during a weapons training session.
A young boy was seen handling an assault rifle during a session led by the Guard’s Basij volunteer force. Such training is increasingly common as Iran looks to project strength in ongoing conflicts.
The government heavily promotes recruitment to the Janfada—meaning “those who sacrifice for the cause.” Hard-liners even urged families to send young boys to assist the Revolutionary Guard, a move Amnesty International criticizes as a war crime.
Officials claim over 30 million, out of Iran’s 90 million population, have registered online or at public events, though no large mobilization akin to Ukraine’s prior to the 2022 Russian invasion has yet occurred.
Commentary on state TV often includes armed presenters, part of efforts to bolster support.
Journalist Soheila Zarfam reflected in Tehran Times, saying, “My life might end, but Iran would endure, and that was all that truly mattered.”
Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi criticized these public displays, especially the involvement of children in handling weapons, likening it to tactics used by groups like Boko Haram.
A recent rally by Iranian nomads displayed a mix of traditional and military weapons, but most demonstrations occur in Tehran, not rural areas where firearm ownership is common.
At a recent training, attendees separated by gender, learned basic handling of Kalashnikovs. Instructor Hadi Khoosheh explained that participants earn a Janfada card upon completion, certifying their basic firearm training.
The training exposed shortcomings, such as an unsafe handling breach by a participant. Still, Mofidi, attending a session, asserted, “We will stand against [the Americans] and won’t give up even an inch of our soil.”