Tehran's Public Weapons Displays Signal Defiance Amid Rising US-Iran Tensions

During mid-May 2026, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and its Basij militia staged public weapons demonstrations in Tehran. Participants handled Kalashnikov-style rifles, marched with Soviet-era machine guns, and observed a ballistic missile at a mass wedding, while training sessions aired on state TV.

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These displays follow President Donald Trump’s warning that a collapse of negotiations could spark renewed conflict, including a possible seizure of Iran’s enriched uranium and renewed fighting over the Strait of Hormuz. Domestically, Iran faces soaring inflation, layoffs and a recent crackdown that activists say killed over 7,000 people.

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Ali Mofidi, a 47-year-old Tehran resident who attended training; Hadi Khoosheh, a Basij trainer issuing “Janfada” cards; Shirin Ebadi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate criticizing the displays; Soheila Zarfam, Tehran Times journalist; and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard with its Basij auxiliary, the event organizers.

In Iran's capital, weapons demonstrations send a signal at home and abroad as threat of war remains

Officials claim over 30 million Iranians—about one-third of the 90 million population—have volunteered via online forms or gatherings for Janfada. Independent verification is lacking.

In Iran's capital, weapons demonstrations send a signal at home and abroad as threat of war remains

The government says the training is essential for national defense, promising participants a “Janfada” card certifying basic firearms proficiency. State media portray the displays as morale-boosting for hard-liners and a deterrent to foreign adversaries.

In Iran's capital, weapons demonstrations send a signal at home and abroad as threat of war remains

Amnesty International calls the recruitment of boys as young as 12 for checkpoint duties a war crime. Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi likens the scenes to child hostage-taking by extremist groups. Observers noted safety breaches, such as an unloaded rifle pointed at others.

In Iran's capital, weapons demonstrations send a signal at home and abroad as threat of war remains

The 30 million volunteer claim cannot be independently verified, and no mass mobilization comparable to Ukraine’s pre-invasion enlistments has been observed. Training footage shows rudimentary instruction, contradicting official claims of comprehensive preparedness.

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• “This is necessary for all our people to get trained because we are in a war situation these days,” — Ali Mofidi, Tehran resident

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• “At the end of the training those who completed the course will receive a card titled 'Janfada,' proving they have received basic and preliminary training for this type of gun and they are able to use it if, God forbid, something happens to our country,” — Hadi Khoosheh, Basij trainer

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• “My life might end, but Iran would endure, and that was all that truly mattered.” — Soheila Zarfam, journalist

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• “Scenes like these are reminiscent of child hostage-taking and arming by groups such as Boko Haram in Nigeria, and militias in Sudan and Congo.” — Shirin Ebadi, Nobel laureate

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The government says it will continue public weapons demonstrations and expand Janfada recruitment while diplomatic talks with the United States proceed. Analysts warn that any increase in U.S. pressure on Iran’s nuclear program could deepen reliance on such displays.

In Iran's capital, weapons demonstrations send a signal at home and abroad as threat of war remains