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A group of girls stand beside a "Khaybar-buster" missile during a mass wedding ceremony for couples participating in the "Janfada" ("Sacrifice for Iran") pro-government campaign in Tehran, Iran, Monday, May 18, 2026.

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

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

Weapons are now regularly brandished in Tehran in an increasing show of defiance. This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens he could restart the war with Iran should negotiations break down and the Islamic Republic refuses to release its grip on the Strait of Hormuz. The weapons displays reflect the genuine threat Iran faces: Trump has suggested American forces could seize Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium by force and previously said that he sent arms to Kurdish fighters to pass onto anti-government protesters. But they also offer reassurance and motivation to hard-liners and provide rare entertainment at a time of great uncertainty. Suggesting more hard-liners will be armed could also help suppress any new demonstration against Iran’s theocracy.