Iran Sees Largest Pro-Government Rally Since War Began, Hundreds of Thousands Attend

Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Tehran on Friday in what was described as Iran’s largest pro-government gathering since the country entered a war with the United States and Israel in late February. Many participants expressed their readiness to take up arms if necessary to defend their homeland.The rally marked a major show of public support for the Iranian government amid mounting military and economic pressure.According to the London-based Middle East news outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, also known as The New Arab, Iranian authorities are seeking to strengthen national unity and rally public support as the conflict continues. At the same time, the country’s economic situation has deteriorated further, with a US naval blockade of Iranian ports and additional American sanctions placing greater strain on the economy. Nationwide Volunteer Initiative for National DefenseIran has launched a large-scale volunteer initiative inviting citizens to receive basic military training and participate in national defense efforts. The program, titled “Jan-Fada-ye Iran,” translates as “Those Who Sacrifice Their Lives for Iran.”Figures regarding the number of people who have volunteered vary, with officials reporting substantial participation in the initiative.On Friday, volunteers wearing military-style uniforms marched through central Tehran carrying Iranian national flags. Crowds gathered along the streets to cheer them on.Iranian state media had spent several days encouraging citizens to join the campaign. Reports also indicated that participants would soon begin weapons training, including instruction in the use of automatic rifles.The newly trained volunteers are expected to serve as an additional layer of national security alongside the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its volunteer wing, the Basij. More Than 600,000 Volunteers RegisteredGeneral Hassan Hasanzadeh, head of the Revolutionary Guard in Tehran, told state broadcaster IRIB that more than 600,000 people had registered for the initiative. He said authorities expected over one million people to participate in the training program.Earlier on Friday, state television estimated that more than 300,000 people had taken to the streets for the rally.Speaking at the opening of the event, newly appointed Basij chief Hossein Taeb said the volunteers would be prepared for “comprehensive defense.” He also announced plans to organize similar gatherings in other Iranian cities.Taeb warned that the newly trained volunteers would become a “nightmare” for Iran’s adversaries.President Masoud Pezeshkian, military commanders and other senior officials watched the procession. Anti-US and Anti-Israel SlogansSome demonstrators were seen trampling on US and Israeli flags, while others chanted slogans including “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”Marzieh Afaghi, 24, attended the rally with her husband and young child. She said Iranians were not intimidated by threats from US President Donald Trump.“I came to tell Trump that we Iranians are not afraid of his threats against our homeland. Throughout history, no one has invaded Iran and managed to stay,” she said. Military Equipment Displayed at RallyIran also used the gathering to showcase some of its military capabilities, including air defense systems and equipment operated by the Revolutionary Guard.Female IRGC members wearing black headscarves were seen seated beside machine guns mounted on military trucks. The force also displayed drones that have reportedly been used extensively against vessels in the Strait of Hormuz since the war began.Iran has repeatedly asserted control over the strategically important waterway since the outbreak of the conflict. The disruption has severely affected the transportation of oil and natural gas from the Gulf region to international markets. Rally Signals Preparations for Potential Domestic UnrestFriday’s gathering also highlighted the Iranian leadership’s efforts to strengthen internal security amid the possibility of renewed anti-government protests.The remarks by Taeb, a hard-line figure within Iran’s leadership, suggested that authorities may be preparing to respond more forcefully to any future demonstrations against the Islamic Republic.In January, shortly before the war began, Iran experienced one of the largest nationwide protest movements in its history. Initially triggered by economic hardship, the demonstrations later expanded into broader expressions of public dissatisfaction with the government.In May, Iranian officials said more than 30 million people in the country, which has a population of approximately 90 million, had volunteered to sacrifice their lives for the Islamic Republic. Many registered through online forms, while others expressed their commitment by attending public gatherings.