Iran displays new drones and missiles at Army Day parade

Military show of force comes ahead of second round of Iran–US nuclear talks in Rome.

Soldiers march in a military parade marking Iran's annual Army Day in Tehran on April 18, 2025. Photo by Atta Kenare/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Iran held large-scale military parades across the country on Friday to mark Army Day, putting its growing defense capabilities on full display. The event came just a day before Iran and the United States are due to resume indirect nuclear talks in Rome. The timing of the parade, with Iran displaying new drones and missiles, was widely interpreted as a message of strength and self-reliance.

Iran displays new drones and missiles, defined the day's coverage, with media in the country emphasizing the range of domestically produced hardware presented. Among the showcased items were the jet-powered Karrar drones, the Arash and Mohajer unmanned aerial systems, as well as upgraded ballistic missiles, tanks, and armored vehicles—all designed and manufactured within Iran’s borders.

State television broadcasted the parade live from Tehran, where President Masoud Pezeshkian presided over the ceremony. He praised the Iranian army as the “strong fortress” of the nation and credited its readiness and development with helping shape the country’s influence across the region.

A calculated show of force

The parade’s headline act was clearly the arsenal of new drones and missiles. Military officials proudly paraded Iran’s latest in drone technology, including the Arash long-range suicide drone, the Mohajer-10 reconnaissance and strike platform, and the upgraded Karrar. These systems have been developed as part of Iran’s broader strategy to establish deterrence through asymmetric and advanced technology-based warfare.

Also on display were air defense systems such as the Russian-made S-300, a signal that Tehran continues to blend foreign systems with its growing domestic capability. Tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and mobile missile launchers rolled through the streets as military bands played and formations of soldiers marched.

Parades also took place in other major cities such as Shiraz, Isfahan, and Mashhad. In each location, local commanders echoed the national narrative of strength, self-reliance, and preparedness.

Tension and diplomacy on the horizon

The show of military might was not without geopolitical implications. On Saturday, the second round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States will take place in Rome, with Oman continuing to serve as mediator. The first round was held in Muscat just one week earlier, where negotiators on both sides described the discussions as “constructive.”

President Pezeshkian, in his Army Day speech, made no direct mention of the talks. However, his emphasis on defense autonomy and regional influence underscored Iran’s position going into negotiations. Officials in Tehran have often stated that while they are open to dialogue, they will not compromise on national defense or sovereignty.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who leads the Iranian delegation, said on Thursday that Iran remains “fully serious” about the ongoing discussions. “Based on the other side’s approach, we will assess how to proceed,” he told reporters.

US response and regional pressure

Across the Atlantic, the White House has also been treading carefully. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will represent Washington at the talks. Earlier in March, President Donald Trump sent a direct letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, pushing for renewed dialogue on Tehran’s nuclear program. In that letter, he also warned that military options remained “on the table” should diplomacy fail.

On Thursday, Trump told reporters that he was “not in a rush” to launch strikes against Iranian facilities, adding, “I think Iran wants to talk.” His comments came as a New York Times article revealed that he had recently blocked an Israeli plan to carry out military strikes on Iran, instead prioritizing diplomacy.

Still, pressure from Israel remains intense. On the same day as the Army Day parades, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that his country “will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons,” reinforcing a hard-line stance even as negotiations continue.

Public and political messaging

Iran’s decision to hold such a high-profile display of force on the eve of diplomatic talks was likely deliberate. By presenting a wide array of military technologies, especially drones and missiles, the government sent a clear signal both to its citizens and to the international community. It was a message that while Iran is engaging in negotiations, it is doing so from a position of strength.

This balance between dialogue and deterrence is a consistent feature of Iran’s foreign policy. Over the past decade, Iranian officials have often tied their willingness to negotiate to their perception of strength at home and abroad. Army Day provided an ideal backdrop to reinforce this theme.

Strategic symbolism of drones and missiles

Iran’s drone program has become a central part of its military identity. From Yemen to Syria, Iranian drones have featured prominently in regional conflicts, and their increasing sophistication has drawn concern from Western and Gulf states alike.

The Karrar, unveiled years ago, continues to be upgraded with better engines and targeting systems. The Arash, designed as a long-range kamikaze drone, reflects Iran’s focus on low-cost, high-impact technologies. Meanwhile, the Mohajer series has evolved into a versatile platform capable of both surveillance and precision strikes.

Missile development, too, remains central. Iran’s medium-range ballistic missiles—some with ranges exceeding 1,000 kilometers—were featured prominently. While not the first time these weapons have been displayed, the timing is critical, as Western powers continue to press for limitations on Iran’s missile program as part of any new nuclear agreement.

Looking ahead to the Rome talks

As the parade wrapped up and soldiers disbanded, focus shifted to the upcoming diplomatic meeting in Rome. Analysts say both sides are likely to adopt cautious optimism. The fact that talks are continuing at all is seen as a positive sign, even though many obstacles remain.

Key issues on the table include uranium enrichment levels, sanctions relief, and inspections by international monitors. Iran insists that any agreement must guarantee economic benefits, while the US and its allies want clear assurances about the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.

Whether the dramatic Army Day displays will affect the tone or substance of the Rome discussions remains to be seen. For now, the world watches as Iran continues its dual track of military readiness and diplomatic engagement.