Iran Displays Weapons Amidst Rising Tensions and Domestic Concerns

Kathmandu. In Iran's capital Tehran, public display of weapons has increased in recent days. Members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard have started training the public to use 'assault' rifles, while military vehicles and machine guns have been displayed on the capital's streets.

A ballistic missile, similar to those used to attack Israel, was also displayed on a stage at a mass wedding ceremony.

It is analyzed that Iran has intensified its power display after US President Donald Trump warned that war could resume against Iran if negotiations fail. Tensions could escalate, especially if Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz.

According to reports, Iran has also increased public preparedness after the US indicated it could use force to seize Iran's high-level enriched uranium stockpile. Earlier, Trump had also claimed that weapons were sent to anti-government protesters through Kurdish fighters.

Meanwhile, public concern is growing in Iran due to rising inflation, business closures, job losses, and price increases for food and medicine. It is analyzed that the display of weapons is also being used to encourage pro-government hardline groups and control potential protests in such difficult circumstances.

Ali Mofidi, 47, of Tehran, participating in the weapons training program, said, "The current situation is like a war, so all citizens need to know how to use a gun," AP reported.

In recent months, government media and messages have called on citizens to participate in a campaign to be "ready to sacrifice their lives." Some hardline groups have been accused of encouraging children as young as 12 to be stationed at security checkpoints, which human rights organization Amnesty International has termed a war crime.

Iranian officials claim that more than 30 million citizens in the country of about 90 million population are ready to give their lives for the government through online or public programs. However, this fact has not been independently confirmed.