Tehran hosts largest pro-government rally since conflict with US and Israel began

Hundreds of thousands of Iranians rallied in Tehran on Friday in a government-organised demonstration described as the largest show of support since the United States and Israel attacked the country in late February. Marchers in combat uniform carried flags through the downtown area as onlookers cheered, expressing their readiness to defend the nation.

The rally launched a volunteer campaign known as "Janfaday-e Iran", meaning "the ones who sacrifice their lives for Iran". Under this programme, participants receive limited military training with assault rifles, providing an additional layer of security alongside the Revolutionary Guard and the Basij militia. General Hassan Hassanzadeh, Tehran's Guard chief, told state broadcasters that more than 600,000 people had already registered, with over a million expected to eventually take part in training.

The demonstration comes as Iran's economy continues to deteriorate under a US naval blockade of its ports and expanded sanctions, seven months into the conflict. The government used the rally to project national unity during this challenging period. On the same day, Iran separately claimed to have carried out a fresh attack on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international waterway.