Iran’s state TV aired presenters handling rifles on Friday night as fears grew over a wider war with the United States.
The presenters said they were learning basic weapons skills. They said they would join the war if needed. The segments appeared on at least three programs, according to Iranian media.
Some clips showed presenters handling what appeared to be an East German MPi-KMS rifle.
The broadcasts drew wide reaction online. Observers saw them as a public mobilization push.
The media push came as President Donald Trump weighed possible action against Iran, according to Israeli media.
Iran’s Interior Ministry said the country remained in a “neither war nor peace” state.
Kayhan editor Hossein Shariatmadari said the war could not end without revenge for Ali Khamenei.
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Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, warned Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates over U.S. bases. Iran also faced a 78-day internet shutdown, medicine shortages and gasoline pressure.
