Tehran, Iran - April 17, 2024 

Storyline:
Iran marked its National Army Day on Wednesday with a parade showcasing its weapons at a military base in the capital, Tehran, with heightened security around the parade venue due to the escalated tensions with Israel.

Given the tense backdrop in the wake of Iran's retaliatory strikes against Israel, stricter measures were put in place which restricted any live broadcasting of the biannual parade, while the number of camera crews in attendance was also limited.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and several high-ranking military officials were present and inspected the parade.

Raisi delivered a speech in which he said Iran had launched a "limited" not "massive" military operation against Israel on Saturday, who he said deserved such punishment for its attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria earlier this month.

He said the fact the United States had made no mention of any military response to Iran's attack speaks volume about Iran's military might being a deterrence.

In addition, Raisi said Israel's failure was a failure in intelligence, security and military, and more importantly in strategy.

Late on Saturday, Iran launched about 350 drones and missiles in response to the killing of seven Iranians, including two veteran commanders, by Israeli strikes on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Syria on April 1.

Iran has a tradition of holding the twice-a-year military parade in April and September respectively.

Shotlist:
Tehran, Iran - April 17, 2024:
1. Various of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, military officials at military parade;
2. Various of troops marching;
3. Various of parade of weapons, drones, missiles on display.

[Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland/Al-Arabiya/Persian language TV Stations outside Iran. Strictly No Access BBC Persian/VOA Persian/Manoto TV/Iran International TV]