Iran anchor fires rifle on live TV

Tehran: Iran appears to have begun training civilians in handling rifles amid fears of imminent US-Israeli strikes following renewed threats by US President Donald Trump.

Over the past few days, videos and images from Tehran have shown public gun kiosks where civilians are being taught basic weapon handling, signalling preparations for a possible ground invasion by US troops.

Iranian state television has also aired segments teaching viewers how to use rifles. In one viral clip, Hossein Hosseini, an anchor on the state-run Ofogh channel, fired a rifle into the studio ceiling during a live broadcast while receiving training from a masked member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

In another clip, Channel 3 presenter Mobina Nasiri addressed viewers while holding an assault rifle.

“They sent me a weapon from Vanak Square so that I too, like all of you people, can learn how to use it,” she said.

“Through this broadcast, I announce that I am ready to sacrifice my life for my country.”

According to Al Jazeera, defence training sessions on light weapons were organised for civilians at mosques in several cities. CNN reported that Ofogh News aired a shooting instruction programme from May 15 to 16 local time.