Iranian state TV shows presenters handling rifles on-air

Iranian state television aired several programmes on the night of May 15 in which presenters appeared with rifles during studio segments, saying they were learning basic weapons handling and would join the war if necessary.

The broadcasts, which were shown on at least three programmes, were later picked up by Iranian media outlets and sparked reactions online, Iran International reports. 

Some social media users described the segments as a sign of wartime mobilisation.

Jackson Hinkle, an American political commentator and influencer known for strongly pro-Iran and anti-Israel views, wrote on X that Iranian state TV was demonstrating how to use and fire an AK-47 as “prep for US ground invasion.”

Another account focused on weapons and conflict footage said Iranian television channels were providing basic weapons-handling instructions, adding that the rifle shown appeared to be an early East German MPi-KMS assault rifle.

By Sabina Mammadli