Hundreds of thousands rally in Tehran in largest pro-government demonstration since war began

Iran's government organised what the Associated Press described as the biggest pro-government demonstration since the war with the United States and Israel began in February. Hundreds of thousands of people marched through downtown Tehran on Friday, with some participants wearing combat uniforms and carrying flags. The demonstrators pledged their readiness to defend the country as part of a campaign called "Janfaday-e Iran," meaning "the ones who sacrifice their lives for Iran."

State media had spent days encouraging Iranians to participate in the initiative, which offers limited military training with assault rifles to volunteers who would serve as an additional layer of security alongside the Revolutionary Guard's paramilitary Basij militia. This force has played a central role in suppressing anti-government protests in the past. According to Tehran's Guard chief, General Hassan Hassanzadeh, more than 600,000 people had already registered for the programme, with over one million expected to eventually take part in the training.

The rally took place against the backdrop of a worsening economy, as a US naval blockade of Iranian ports and expanded American sanctions continue to put pressure on the country. The government has used displays of unity such as Friday's rally to counter the economic pressure and project domestic resilience nearly seven months into the conflict.