Iran stages Army Day parade as nuclear talks loom

Iran held large-scale military parades across the country on Friday to mark its annual Army Day, showcasing a range of domestically made weapons and military equipment.

The displays came just a day before Iran and the United States were due to meet in Rome for a second round of indirect nuclear discussions.

The main event took place in the capital, Tehran, where state television reported the unveiling of several Iranian-made drones, including the Karrar, Arash, and Mohajer models.

Tanks, missiles, and other locally produced weapons were also featured.

The Russian-made S-300 air defence system was among the equipment on display.

Similar parades were also held in other major cities across the country, highlighting Iran's efforts to project military strength and self-reliance in defence production.

President Masoud Pezeshkian, who attended the parade in Tehran, praised the army’s role in safeguarding the country and boosting Iran’s influence in the region.

"The army is the strong fortress of our nation," he said.

The parades were staged just before the next round of indirect talks between Iran and the US, scheduled for Saturday in Rome and mediated by Oman.

The first round was held a week earlier in Muscat, and both sides described it as "constructive".

Tensions around Iran’s nuclear programme remain high.

In March, US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging a return to the negotiating table and warning of the possible use of force if talks fail.

However, on Thursday, Trump said he was not eager to pursue military action.

"I think Iran wants to talk," he said, adding that he is "not in a rush" to strike Iranian nuclear facilities.

Representing Iran in the negotiations is Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who said on Thursday, "We are fully serious in these talks," and added, "based on the other side's approach, will assess how to proceed."

The US is being represented by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

Meanwhile, a report by the New York Times earlier this week stated that Trump had rejected an Israeli proposal to launch a strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities, choosing to focus on diplomacy instead.

Despite the ongoing dialogue, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remained firm in his stance.

On Thursday, he declared that Israel would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, regardless of how the talks progress.