"I Will Give My Life": Female Anchor With Rifle Sparks Stir on Iranian TV... What Happened?

State TV Airs Rifle Handling Lessons
Civilian Training in Preparation for Possible U.S. Invasion

Iranian state television has drawn attention after broadcasting a segment teaching viewers how to handle a rifle. The news anchor appeared armed with a real firearm and declared loyalty to the nation, indicating heightened tensions within Iran.

The Iranian state-run channel "Ofogh" aired a shooting instruction program from May 15 to 16 (local time). An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officer appeared on the show, taking out an AK-47 assault rifle in front of the camera and demonstrating disassembly, assembly, loading, and firing procedures.

An anchor from Iran's state-run broadcaster appeared in front of the camera holding a rifle. Screenshot from Iran's state-run broadcaster's TV.

During the broadcast, the anchor was seen aiming and firing a loaded rifle at a flag of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, it was not confirmed whether live ammunition was used. The demonstration was reportedly intended to educate civilians in case of a ground invasion by U.S. forces.

On May 17, the same channel aired another segment in which a different IRGC officer appeared and explained how to load a machine gun by placing the actual weapon on a table. On another state-run channel, female anchor Mobina Nasiri appeared live on air holding a rifle, stating, "A rifle was handed to me at a rally held in Tehran's Banak Square, so I am standing armed in front of the camera," and declared, "Through this broadcast, I announce that I am ready to sacrifice my life for my country."

An officer of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran appearing on a broadcast. Screenshot from Iranian state television.

Some have speculated that such broadcasts indicate Iran is preparing for a full-scale war with the United States.

The New York Times (NYT) reported that the U.S. Department of Defense is preparing for the possibility of resuming airstrikes on Iran, which were halted after last month's ceasefire. Two anonymous officials from the Middle East told the outlet that the United States and Israel are considering resuming attacks and have begun intensive preparations.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned on his social media platform "Truth Social" the previous day, stating, "Iran doesn't have much time left. It would be wise for them to act quickly; otherwise, there will be nothing left for them."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.