An Iranian state television presenter fired a shot at the flag of the United Arab Emirates during a live firearms training broadcast, in a dramatic moment amid rising regional tensions and the increasingly militarised messaging on Iranian state media. The incident took place on the state-run Ofogh channel, where a masked commander from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) appeared on air to demonstrate how to load and operate a variant of an AK-47 assault rifle. Read more: China Confirms Deal To Buy Boeing Aircraft, US Engines After Trump Visit Rifle Fired At UAE Flag On Live Television During the segment, the commander encouraged viewers to attend booths set up at pro-government rallies to receive weapons training. The broadcast escalated further toward the end when the host fired the rifle into the ceiling before aiming a shot directly at a UAE flag displayed in the studio. The moment quickly drew attention online as footage from the broadcast circulated amid already strained relations between Iran and Gulf countries. WATCH: Iranian state TV presenter shot at a UAE flag on live television during a firearms training segment. pic.twitter.com/IZYCdPTOPd — Clash Report (@clashreport) May 16, 2026 State Media Pushes ‘Call To Arms’ Messaging The televised segment came as Iranian state media intensified wartime-style programming following recent tensions involving the United States, Israel and the Strait of Hormuz. Several Iranian channels reportedly aired programmes featuring presenters holding assault rifles and discussing military preparedness, while authorities continued encouraging supporters to participate in nightly street demonstrations framed as part of national resistance efforts. On another state channel, presenter Mobina Nasiri appeared holding an assault rifle while declaring she was prepared to “sacrifice” her life for Iran. Read more: Xi Jinping’s Entourage At Banquet For Trump Featured Some Of China’s Most Powerful Industrial Titans Tensions Remain High Across Region The broadcast aired against the backdrop of renewed rhetoric from Iranian officials about the possibility of direct confrontation with the United States if negotiations collapse. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently warned that Tehran remained prepared for renewed military conflict if diplomacy failed. The UAE has not officially responded to the television segment.