‘Death To America’: Iran Arming Civilians, Offering Weapons Training As Trump Renews War Threats

‘Death To America’: Iran Arming Civilians, Offering Weapons Training As Trump Renews War Threats Published By, Last Updated: May 18, 2026, 15:03 IST An elderly man at the rally carried a handwritten placard in Farsi, which read “nuclear and missile technology is as important as our borders, so we will protect them”. From Night Rallies to Weapons Lessons: Iran Braces for Possible Strike (Photo: Reuters) Iran is reportedly arming civilians as fears increase of another US strike, with ‘clock ticking’ warning from President Donald Trump and murmurs of a possible US-Israeli attack. Across the country, thousands have been joining state-backed rallies meant to rally support against the United States, reports CNN. In Tehran, as night falls and the city disappear into darkness, large crowds continue to gather in public spaces. In Tajrish Square, an affluent part of Tehran, loud chants of “Death to America" echo across the area. What Iranian protesters said? “I am so ready to sacrifice my life for my country and for my people," CNN quoted a young woman named Tiana as saying. She wore glasses coloured like the Iranian flag. She added that the army and commanders were also ready to give their lives and fight with full commitment, rejecting Trump’s recent online warning about possible renewed military action. Trump wrote on his Truth Social account on Sunday that “the clock is ticking" for Iran and warned that unless action is taken quickly, there would be “nothing left". His message added pressure at a time when peace talks have stalled and a fragile ceasefire remains in place. Night gatherings The evening rallies, described locally as “night-gatherings", have been held every day in many parts of the country for almost three months, beginning with the outbreak of the war. Recently, public gun kiosks have appeared, where civilians are given basic instruction on using firearms. This is seen as a sign that authorities are preparing the public for further escalation. Weapons training At Vanak Square, one kiosk showed a woman in a black chador being taught how to handle an AK-47 rifle. A masked instructor in military clothing demonstrated how to take the weapon apart and reassemble it. Nearby, a young girl was seen holding an unloaded Kalashnikov. She pointed it upwards, pulled the trigger, and then returned it to a smiling instructor. State media reinforces call to arms State television has also increased its focus on military readiness. Several channels have shown presenters holding assault rifles during broadcasts. On the Ofogh channel, anchor Hossein Hosseini fired a rifle into the studio ceiling during a live programme after receiving training from a masked member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Despite the strong displays of mobilisation, not everyone supports confrontation. Near Tajrish Square, a park close to the Cinema Museum of Iran offered a very different scene. People read books at an outdoor stall, drank tea, and walked quietly with family and friends. One man passing by simply said, “No to war." A university professor, speaking privately with her husband and not wishing to be named, said they want major change in Iran and a better future for their children. She said softly in English, “We just want to live in a normal country, where our children can have a future." Another young woman also said they hope for peace, showing that opinion in the country is not uniform. Rising concerns among Iranian citizens An elderly man at the rally carried a handwritten placard in Farsi, which read “nuclear and missile technology is as important as our borders, so we will protect them". He said Iran needs nuclear energy for peaceful use and clean power, not for weapons. He also referred to Iran’s refusal to end its nuclear programme, which Trump has demanded as a condition for stopping the conflict. According to him, Iran does not possess a nuclear bomb, even though it is still being attacked and accused. Uncertainty across the country As rumours spread and worries increase about a possible US-Israeli strike, many Iranians are beginning to believe that more fighting is unavoidable. Fatima, who said she spent her childhood in London and Dubai, said there is little hope of real negotiation. She described Trump’s approach as forceful, saying he would demand obedience and still carry out attacks even if conditions were accepted. She said, “He’s just going to be, like, ‘You do what I tell you or I’m going to kill you.’ And then he’s going to attack us even if we do as he says." Trump on Monday shared a map of West Asia on social media showing an American flag overlay and red arrows pointing towards Iran from several directions, adding to growing tensions between Washington and Tehran. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Iran First Published: May 18, 2026, 15:03 IST News world ‘Death To America’: Iran Arming Civilians, Offering Weapons Training