Friday night broadcasts on Iranian television featured presenters appearing in studio with assault rifles as at least three separate programmes aired segments where hosts were seen discussing their willingness to join active combat.
Footage from these broadcasts circulated across social media platforms as it showed presenters receiving instructions on basic weapons handling. One account specialising in military hardware identified one of the rifles as an early East German MPi-KMS.
The broadcasts triggered significant discussion online, with some observers interpreting the move as a sign of national wartime mobilisation amid the possibility of a ground invasion by the United States (US) after Pakistan-brokered fragile ceasefire ends.
Jackson Hinkle, an American commentator, shared the footage on X, stating that the Iranian state media was demonstrating how to use an AK-47 in preparation for a potential ground invasion by the US.
Russian state media outlet RT also reported on the development, noting that the demonstrations involved live studio instruction on how to fire the weapons.
Negotiations between the US and Iran have reached a deadlock over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the current stall, President Donald Trump has expressed an openness to a 20-year nuclear suspension, while Tehran warns of further economic consequences and continues demanding guaranteed security.
The special broadcasts come amid reports of US exploring its options for a course of action to mark the end of ceasefire.
