Amid ongoing exchange of peace proposal between Iran and the US, the Iranian state television has reportedly launched &nbsp;‘Sacrifice Life for Iran’ campaign that features military instructors and presenters giving training of how to load, unload, and fire Kalashnikov (AK-47) rifles. Officials have said that the move is a step towards national defence education intended to prepare ordinary citizens for potential conflict and regional escalation. A clip of Iranian state TV in which a military instructor was seen teaching people at home how to use a Kalashnikov went viral. The news host was seen firing at the UAE flag while Dubai burnt in the background. Reports also indicate that weapons drills involving ordinary citizens and teenagers are being conducted in public spaces across the country. &nbsp;Reports claimed that more than 31 million people had signed up for the campaign.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Iranian state TV host fires at a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAE</a> flag during a live firearms training segment on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IRGC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IRGC</a>-linked Ofogh channel. The presenter first demonstrated AK-47 use and then shot into the ceiling and directly at the UAE flag in-studio. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StateTV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StateTV</a> <a href="https://t.co/6694vkIbbB">pic.twitter.com/6694vkIbbB</a>&mdash; Ahlul Haqq News (@AhlulHaqqN) <a href="https://twitter.com/AhlulHaqqN/status/2055738702706729164?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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<h3>AK-47 and Kalashnikov training&nbsp;</h3>In the news show on Iranian state TV, the host appeared to be using an early East German MPi-KMS assault rifle, a variant of the AK-47 platform chambered in 7.62×39mm. While some military experts explained the handling of the rifles, TV presenters themselves were seen holding and firing weapons as part of on-air educational segments. Reports also claimed that visuals from Tehran’s Tajrish Square show men and women participating in public weapons training exercises. Similar footage have also emerged from Tehran’s Tajrish Square taking part in open-air weapons training. Teenagers in Kerdia described the training as the 78th phase of the nationwide “presence in the field of power” campaign.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-responds-to-a-new-us-proposal-to-end-war-will-there-be-a-breakthrough-1779093137279">'Via Pakistani mediator': Iran responds to new US proposal to end war - Will there be a breakthrough?</a><h3>What Iranian official said about this?</h3>Mohsen Barmehni, deputy head of Iran’s state television network Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, defended the move. He said Iran was confronting “major powers and global oppression” and described weapons familiarisation as part of “educational, cultural and moral” training. According to him, the programmes were intended to teach the concepts of “jihad, resistance and defence”. He said that the public should identify with a collective sense of readiness and responsibility.

Iran’s state television aired live Kalashnikov training segments featuring presenters and instructors handling rifles, while civilians and teenagers joined public weapons drills in Tehran and Kermanshah as part of the “Sacrifice Life for Iran” mobilisation campaign.

Amid ongoing exchange of peace proposal between Iran and the US, the Iranian state television has reportedly launched ‘Sacrifice Life for Iran’ campaign that features military instructors and presenters giving training of how to load, unload, and fire Kalashnikov (AK-47) rifles. Officials have said that the move is a step towards national defence education intended to prepare ordinary citizens for potential conflict and regional escalation. A clip of Iranian state TV in which a military instructor was seen teaching people at home how to use a Kalashnikov went viral. The news host was seen firing at the UAE flag while Dubai burnt in the background. Reports also indicate that weapons drills involving ordinary citizens and teenagers are being conducted in public spaces across the country. Reports claimed that more than 31 million people had signed up for the campaign.

Iran’s state television aired live Kalashnikov training segments featuring presenters and instructors handling rifles, while civilians and teenagers joined public weapons drills in Tehran and Kermanshah as part of the “Sacrifice Life for Iran” mobilisation campaign.

Iran's state TV launches ‘Sacrifice Life’ campaign: Host shoots at UAE flag, gives AK-47 training demo | WATCH

The Iranian state television drew criticism for it censorship as it blurred the legs of Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, in a news segment covering the recent diplomatic meetings at the UN General Assembly in New York. The broadcast showed Valtonen alongside Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during official talks. The same footage also included Sweden’s Minister for Migration Maria Malmer Stenergard whose legs were also obscured digitally. Valtonen called Iranian state television’s decision to blur her legs a “sad” reflection of women’s treatment in the country. “My Swedish colleague sent me the video on Friday. My first reaction was that it was amusing. But I immediately added, ‘sad too’,” Valtonen told Helsingin Sanomat, Finland’s largest daily newspaper.&nbsp;The Finnish minister added that she does not change her clothing based on who she is meeting and avoids events that require covering the face or hair.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-gaza-deal-says-israel-won-t-occupy-gaza-no-one-will-be-forced-to-flee-1759170510614">‘Swadeshi product’: Union Minister Piyush Goyal logs into Arattai messaging platform</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Surreal: Iran’s regime covered the legs of Finland &amp; Sweden’s foreign ministers on State TV, afraid their men would be “tempted.” Can we all agree: when a regime needs to hide women’s ankles to keep men from ‘sinning,’ they’re not a government, they’re a frat house of horny… <a href="https://t.co/bzP4boqmIH">pic.twitter.com/bzP4boqmIH</a>&mdash; Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlinejadMasih/status/1971619975107637316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Valtonen said she raises women’s rights in every meeting with Iranian officials, and did so in this week’s talks also.The footage was widely shared on social media. Iranian women’s rights activist and journalist Masih Alinejad also shared the footage on social media platform X, describing the censorship as a symptom of broader restrictions on women’s freedoms in Iran.&nbsp;WATCH: BREAKING | Trump Says Israel Will Not Annex Gaza, Reveals Plan To End War<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-trump-says-israel-will-not-annex-gaza-reveals-plan-to-end-war-1759173663956/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-trump-says-israel-will-not-annex-gaza-reveals-plan-to-end-war-1759173663956/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Finland’s National Coalition Party, which Valtonen represents, also reacted on Instagram, calling the incident “a sad example of the trampling of women’s rights.”“This is a reminder of how women around the world are still controlled and erased from visibility. Every woman has the absolute right to be seen, heard, and live freely,” the party wrote in an Instagram post.“The National Coalition Party stands firmly for women’s rights—both in Finland and globally,” it added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-government-lists-lawrence-bishnoi-gang-as-a-terrorist-entity-1759151566717">Canadian government lists Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a ‘terrorist entity’</a>&nbsp;Iranian state media often modifies international footage involving women, in line with state-imposed dress codes. The blurring is part of standard broadcasting practice in the country, especially when showing women who do not adhere to local Islamic dress regulations.

The Finnish minister added that she does not change her clothing based on who she is meeting and avoids events that require covering the face or hair. Valtonen said she raises women’s rights in every meeting with Iranian officials, and did so in this week’s talks also.

The Iranian state television drew criticism for it censorship as it blurred the legs of Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, in a news segment covering the recent diplomatic meetings at the UN General Assembly in New York. The broadcast showed Valtonen alongside Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during official talks. The same footage also included Sweden’s Minister for Migration Maria Malmer Stenergard whose legs were also obscured digitally. Valtonen called Iranian state television’s decision to blur her legs a “sad” reflection of women’s treatment in the country. “My Swedish colleague sent me the video on Friday. My first reaction was that it was amusing. But I immediately added, ‘sad too’,” Valtonen told Helsingin Sanomat, Finland’s largest daily newspaper. The Finnish minister added that she does not change her clothing based on who she is meeting and avoids events that require covering the face or hair. Also Read: ‘Swadeshi product’: Union Minister Piyush Goyal logs into Arattai messaging platform

The Finnish minister added that she does not change her clothing based on who she is meeting and avoids events that require covering the face or hair. Valtonen said she raises women’s rights in every meeting with Iranian officials, and did so in this week’s talks also.

Iran state TV slammed for blurring Finnish FM’s legs in UN broadcast

Iran's state TV (IRIB) was hijacked briefly by Israeli hackers, airing footage of "Woman, Life, Freedom” protests from 2022. The visuals displayed were of women tearing off their hijab and cutting their hair in defiance, followed by a voice-over urging the public to rise and take to the streets against the regime. A logo linked to the IDF's ‘Operation Rising Lion’ also appeared on the screen.&nbsp;Iranian state television later warned the viewer that this was “due to cyberattacks carried out by the Zionist enemy that is disrupting the satellite transmission.”The footage was from the protest of 2022, against the regime over the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. According to the reports by the BBC, the protest and the violent crackdown that followed led to the death of more than 500 individuals.Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack. Though Jonathan Harounoff, Israeli UN spokesperson, shared the video of the hijack from his social media handle on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Happening now 🚨 Iranian state TV has been hacked, taking a break from its regular propaganda programming to broadcast iconic scenes from the “Woman, Life, Freedom” uprising. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WomanLifeFreedom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WomanLifeFreedom</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%B2%D9%86_%D8%B2%D9%86%D8%AF%DA%AF%DB%8C_%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF%DB%8C?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#زن_زندگی_آزادی</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KasraAarabi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KasraAarabi</a> <a href="https://t.co/eT1AEfQxo6">pic.twitter.com/eT1AEfQxo6</a>&mdash; Jonathan Harounoff (@JonathanHaroun1) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonathanHaroun1/status/1935400866032304536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This highlights the psychological warfare by Israel to amplify the anti-regime voices in Iran. A new front combining cyberattacks with military attacks to topple the Iranian regime. It exposed the vulnerability of the IRIB to external signal interference.However, this trend is not new; there have been numerous instances of cyber attacks in Iran linked to Israeli actors. There had been reports by Iranian local media people of being unable to withdraw money from ATMs operated by Sepah Bank. Israeli hacker group “Predatory Sparrow” took responsibility for the attack. Notably, this group was also involved in an attack on the Iranian fuel infrastructure and military-linked industries.&nbsp;

During a live broadcast, footage from the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom protests, women cutting their hair in defiance, flashed across screens in Iran state TV (IRIB)

Iran's state TV (IRIB) was hijacked briefly by Israeli hackers, airing footage of "Woman, Life, Freedom” protests from 2022. The visuals displayed were of women tearing off their hijab and cutting their hair in defiance, followed by a voice-over urging the public to rise and take to the streets against the regime. A logo linked to the IDF's ‘Operation Rising Lion’ also appeared on the screen. Iranian state television later warned the viewer that this was “due to cyberattacks carried out by the Zionist enemy that is disrupting the satellite transmission.” The footage was from the protest of 2022, against the regime over the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. According to the reports by the BBC, the protest and the violent crackdown that followed led to the death of more than 500 individuals. Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack. Though Jonathan Harounoff, Israeli UN spokesperson, shared the video of the hijack from his social media handle on X.

During a live broadcast, footage from the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests, women cutting their hair in defiance, flashed across screens in Iran's state TV (IRIB)

Israeli hackers breach Iranian TV, urging Iranians to rise up in protest

Iran has warned two Israeli TV channels to evacuate following an Israeli airstrike on its state broadcaster in Tehran. Iranian state television said on Monday that evacuation orders were issued for Israel’s N12 and N14 news networks."Iran has issued an evacuation warning for the N12 and N14 channels of Israel. This order comes in response to the hostile attack of Zionist enemy against the Islamic republic of Iran's broadcasting service,"&nbsp;state&nbsp;TV&nbsp;said.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-iran-state-tv-goes-dark-anchor-flees-after-israeli-strike-hits-during-live-broadcast-great-iran-will-not-be-silenced-says-irib-1750091479602">WATCH | Iran state TV goes dark, anchor flees after Israeli strike hits during live broadcast; 'great Iran will not be silenced'&nbsp;says&nbsp;IRIB</a>The warning came hours after the Israeli Air Force bombed the headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) in the capital. The strike happened during a live programme, cutting off the broadcast mid-show. A visibly shocked presenter was seen leaving the studio as the signal was interrupted.<h2>Israel accused of trying to silence Iranian media</h2>After the broadcast resumed, Iranian state TV showed a ticker claiming Israel was trying to “silence the voice of truth”. Another message on screen described the strike as a “brutal violation”.Hassan Abedini, a senior official at IRIB, said, “The regime (Israel) was unaware of the fact that the voice of the Islamic revolution and the great Iran will not be silenced with a military operation.”Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz defended the attack, saying Iran’s media was a “propaganda and incitement mouthpiece”. He added that Israel would “strike everywhere” in response to Iran’s actions and issued a warning to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.<h2>Iran calls for UN action, warns of retaliation</h2>Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei condemned the attack, labelling it a “war crime” and urged the United Nations Security Council to intervene.Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iranian forces would continue to “pummel” Israel until it stopped its strikes. He added that former US President Donald Trump could help halt the conflict with “one phone call”.“That may pave the way for a return to diplomacy,” Araghchi said.

The warning came hours after the Israeli Air Force bombed the headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) in the capital. The strike happened during a live programme, cutting off the broadcast mid-show.

Iran has warned two Israeli TV channels to evacuate following an Israeli airstrike on its state broadcaster in Tehran. Iranian state television said on Monday that evacuation orders were issued for Israel’s N12 and N14 news networks. "Iran has issued an evacuation warning for the N12 and N14 channels of Israel. This order comes in response to the hostile attack of Zionist enemy against the Islamic republic of Iran's broadcasting service," state TV said. Also read: WATCH | Iran state TV goes dark, anchor flees after Israeli strike hits during live broadcast; 'great Iran will not be silenced' says IRIB The warning came hours after the Israeli Air Force bombed the headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) in the capital. The strike happened during a live programme, cutting off the broadcast mid-show. A visibly shocked presenter was seen leaving the studio as the signal was interrupted. Israel accused of trying to silence Iranian media After the broadcast resumed, Iranian state TV showed a ticker claiming Israel was trying to “silence the voice of truth”. Another message on screen described the strike as a “brutal violation”. Hassan Abedini, a senior official at IRIB, said, “The regime (Israel) was unaware of the fact that the voice of the Islamic revolution and the great Iran will not be silenced with a military operation.” Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz defended the attack, saying Iran’s media was a “propaganda and incitement mouthpiece”. He added that Israel would “strike everywhere” in response to Iran’s actions and issued a warning to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran calls for UN action, warns of retaliation Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei condemned the attack, labelling it a “war crime” and urged the United Nations Security Council to intervene. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iranian forces would continue to “pummel” Israel until it stopped its strikes. He added that former US President Donald Trump could help halt the conflict with “one phone call”. “That may pave the way for a return to diplomacy,” Araghchi said.

The warning came hours after the Israeli Air Force bombed the headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) in the capital. The strike happened during a live programme, cutting off the broadcast mid-show.

'In response to hostile attack': Iran issues EVACUATION WARNING for Israeli TV channels after Tel Aviv bombs state television

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Iran's state TV launches ‘Sacrifice Life’ campaign: Host shoots at UAE flag, gives AK-47 training demo | WATCH

Iran state TV slammed for blurring Finnish FM’s legs in UN broadcast

Israeli hackers breach Iranian TV, urging Iranians to rise up in protest

'Response to hostile attack': Iran issues WARNING for Israeli TV channels