Hundreds of thousands attend Iran’s biggest government-organized rally since the war began
Iran Holds Biggest State-Backed Rally Since War Began
Bharatmorning.com – As hundreds of thousands attend Iran’s largest government-organized rally since the war began, authorities in Tehran sought to demonstrate public unity and military readiness. Crowds gathered in central Tehran on Friday, carrying Iranian flags and taking part in a state-backed event held amid conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Many participants wore combat-style uniforms and joined a volunteer campaign that is expected to provide civilians with limited military instruction. The rally came as Iran faces mounting economic pressure from a U.S. naval blockade of ports and new sanctions.
Volunteer force promoted in Tehran
The program is called Janfaday-e Iran, meaning those prepared to sacrifice their lives for Iran. State media have encouraged people to sign up, while officials said assault-rifle training would begin soon. Organizers describe the volunteers as an additional defensive force alongside the Revolutionary Guard and the Basij militia.
Gen. Hassan Hassanzadeh, the Revolutionary Guard commander in Tehran, said more than 600,000 people had registered and that training participation could eventually pass 1 million. State television said more than 300,000 marchers were in Tehran on Friday morning.
Hossein Taeb, the newly appointed head of the Basij, spoke at the start of the event and said volunteers would be prepared for “full-fledged defense.” He also said similar rallies would be held in other Iranian cities.
“The new trainees will make a ‘nightmare’ for Iran’s enemies,” Taeb said.
The Basij is a longstanding part of Iran’s internal security structure and has previously been involved in suppressing anti-government demonstrations. The campaign therefore has both a military and domestic dimension, allowing authorities to emphasize preparedness against outside threats while mobilizing supporters at home.
Officials and military equipment feature prominently
President Masoud Pezeshkian, senior military officials and other leaders watched the procession through the capital. Demonstrators waved flags, chanted slogans aimed at the United States and Israel, and some stepped on U.S. and Israeli flags.
Among those attending was Marzieh Afaghi, 24, who came with her husband and young child. She said the turnout was intended to show that Iranians were not intimidated by threats against their country.
“I am here to tell Trump that we Iranians have no fear about his threats against our homeland,” Afaghi said. “No one in history could invade Iran and remain there.”
Military hardware was also displayed during the rally. Anti-aircraft batteries appeared in Tehran, while female Revolutionary Guard members wearing black headscarves stood with machine guns mounted on trucks. The Guard also showed drones that have been used in operations involving ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Strait of Hormuz tensions continue
The Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is a vital route for oil and natural-gas shipments. Any disruption in the waterway can affect energy supplies and commercial shipping far beyond the region.
Iran said on Friday that it had struck the Togo-flagged oil tanker Trend, accusing it of attempting to pass through the strait illegally. The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations center said a tanker had been hit by a projectile and that a fire on board was later extinguished.
Shipping activity remains sharply reduced. UKMTO said U.S.-facilitated transits off Oman averaged 24 vessels a day during the previous week, though overall traffic was still about 90% below pre-war levels.
FAQ: Tehran rally and Iran’s volunteer campaign
Why did hundreds of thousands attend Iran’s rally?
The Tehran gathering was organized by the government to project unity, show support for Iran’s defenses and promote the Janfaday-e Iran volunteer training initiative during the war.
What is the Janfaday-e Iran program?
Janfaday-e Iran is a volunteer campaign for civilians who are expected to receive limited military instruction. Officials say it will support Iran’s existing forces, including the Revolutionary Guard and the Basij.
Why does the Strait of Hormuz matter?
The strait is one of the world’s most important maritime energy routes. Reduced vessel traffic and attacks on shipping there can disrupt oil and natural-gas transport and raise wider international concern.