10

IRAN marked its annual Army Day amid the coronavirus crisis - but instead of tanks and missiles, it featured ambulances and medics.

Troops were pictured parading in formation carrying disinfectant guns as the Islamic republic marked its efforts to fight the pandemic.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

10 Iran's Army Day parade normally features missiles and tanks, this year it included medics and ambulances as it took place in Tehran Credit: Tehran Times

10 Iran showed off its equipment for battling the coronavirus. Pictured a disinfectant truck. Credit: tasnimnews.com

10 Soldiers line-up wearing masks and gloves as Iran traded military muscle for medical might. Credit: IRNA News Agency

10 Iran's Army Day took place behind closed doors as the country remains on lockdown due to coronavirus - and soldiers kept social distance Credit: tasnimnews.com

Iran’s celebration is normally filled with fiery rhetoric, new weapons systems, soldiers with machine guns, armoured vehicles and warplanes.

But as the nation reels from its coronavirus outbreak, the event was much more low key.

Almost 80,000 people have been infected and nearly 5,000 have died in Iran - amid questions the totals figures could be much higher.

The “service parade” was held in Tehran and 24 other cities on Friday morning, reports Tasnim News Agency.

Soldiers swapped their guns for various pieces of medical equipment, including handheld disinfectant cannons with large tank backpacks.

Pictures showed the event was held behind closed doors - and the troops were making sure to keep their social distance.

The event was dubbed “Guardians of Homeland, Health Assistants” as Iran tried to show off its health credentials.

Vehicles including huge tankers spraying disinfectant and ambulances were featured during the parade.

Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi hailed the military as like an “iron dam” and a “sympathetic brother” protecting people against coronavirus.

10 Iran's Army Day parade was re-titled Guardians of Homeland, Health Assistants for the annual celebration Credit: tasnimnews.com

10 Iranian state media published pictures of soldiers in gas masks on quad bikes Credit: IRNA News Agency

10 Iranian soldiers line-up wearing camouflage masks as part of Army Day Credit: IRNA News Agency

10 Iran's annual Army Day usually looks very different. Missiles pictured on parade in 2017. Credit: Getty Images

10 Iranian army soldiers in full camouflage suits march past the platform back in 2017 Credit: EPA

And supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sent a message of congratulation to the military to mark the occasion.

The celebrations however come amid ongoing questions over the accuracy of Iran’s coronavirus death toll.

Dissident groups have claimed the actual figure could be as high as 15,000 and accused the regime of bungling the outbreak.

It is claimed the government failed to act quick enough to prevent the spread as it became the epicentre of the pandemic in the Middle East.

Deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi denied covering up the outbreak as he himself appeared bathed in sweat from fever - only to later confirm he had coronavirus.

Ayatollah Khamenei also claimed the virus was “created by America” as he attempted to shift the blame.

Disturbing videos emerged from the Islamic republic of stacks of body bags allegedly containing coronavirus victims piling up in hospitals.

Satellite pictures also reportedly show mass graves being dug for the victims of the outbreak.

Speaking today, Iranian president Hassan Rouhani said: “Our Army is not a symbol of warlordism, but it is a symbol of support for the people and national interests.

“The greatness of your job as ‘defenders of the homeland’ and ‘defenders of health’ has been revealed more than ever.”

MOST READ IN NEWS S**T EXCUSE Driver tells cops she has 'to POOP' before fleeing sparking high speed chase EP IN ARMS Epstein flight logs naming pals ‘will make last list look like Post-It note’ TROUBLE BREWING Fears grow rogue Oktoberfest parties will spark Covid 2nd wave in Germany LEFT TO DIE Monster mom charged with murder of baby who fell from moving car on freeway 'DITCH MITCH' Protesters rally outside Mitch McConnell's home following RBG's death Exclusive GUN GRIEF Gylfi Sigurdsson’s brother-in-law, 11, dies after blasting himself with a shotgun

Iran has attempted to blame the devastation brought on by the virus on economic sanctions levied by the US.

The regime has pleaded for them to be lifted, and said they are costing Iranian lives during the pandemic - calling them “economic terrorism”.

Meanwhile, Iranian social media star Sahar Tabar - known as “Zombie Angelina Jolie” - has reportedly contracted coronavirus in prison.