Iranians rally in biggest show of defiance against US since war began | US-Israel war on Iran News
Hundreds of Thousands Rally in Tehran Amid Ongoing Tensions
TEHRAN, Iran — Hundreds of thousands of Iranians participated in a government-organized rally in Tehran on Friday, pledging their willingness to defend the nation militarily. The event showcased a newly established volunteer force, which will receive limited military and emergency response training to bolster the security framework alongside Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij militia.
According to Iranian authorities, approximately 313,000 people attended the rally in central Tehran, although independent verification of attendance figures was not possible. Volunteers dressed in combat uniforms marched through the streets, with some carrying flags and weapons. The government displayed military equipment, including drones and anti-aircraft batteries.
Tehran’s IRGC chief, Hassan Hassanzadeh, stated that over 600,000 individuals had registered to participate in the “Janfada-ye-Iran” campaign, which translates to “Those who sacrifice their lives for Iran.” He noted that more than one million people are expected to undergo training as part of this initiative.
Key Iranian leaders at the rally included President Masoud Pezeshkian and Basij commander Hossein Taeb. Taeb emphasized that the newly formed volunteer force would be positioned for “full-fledged defense” and would serve as a significant deterrent to the nation’s adversaries.
The rally is part of a broader defense strategy aimed at demonstrating unity and solidarity among Iran’s citizens. Women and teenagers have also signed up for the volunteer units, indicating widespread participation. One volunteer, identified as Bahera, articulated a desire to convey a message of strength and readiness, stating, “We don’t want war, but we’re ready to defend our country to the very end.”
President Pezeshkian described the event as a display of solidarity and a signal to nations perceived as threats, particularly the United States and Israel. He asserted the rally conveyed Iran’s resolve in the face of ongoing external pressures.
The gathering occurred amid severe economic challenges exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade impacting Iranian ports. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, condemned what he termed a “brutal economic war” that aims to inflict pain on the Iranian population. This latest round of sanctions includes targeting digital currency networks alleged to be enabling sanctioned Iranian entities to access foreign financial systems.
The Iranian economy’s struggles were a significant factor in widespread protests last December, which escalated into broader discontent with the political establishment. Reports indicated that approximately 3,000 people were killed during the protests, though activists claimed the death toll exceeded 7,000 due to government crackdowns.
In the wake of a conflict initiated by U.S. and Israeli military actions in February, authorities have repositioned themselves as guardians of the nation, promoting the volunteer mobilization campaign that began in early April. Government sources claim that more than 30 million individuals have registered for potential military service, representing about a third of Iran’s population of 86 million.
