Iran stages nationwide defense rallies

Mass rallies linked to the “Janfada-ye Iran” campaign took place in Tehran and across Iran, with organizers describing the event as a broad display of public readiness to defend the country. In the capital, large crowds marched along a central route between Imam Hussein Square and Enghelab Square, while parallel gatherings were reported in other cities. Organizers said participants came from many segments of society, including women, youth, veterans and volunteer groups, and that the turnout reflected strong support for national defense and resistance.

The event also included displays of Iranian drones and missile-related capabilities, presented as evidence of domestic military capacity. Officials said some participants wore burial shrouds to symbolize willingness to sacrifice for the country. The campaign’s organizers claimed tens of millions of people had registered nationwide, calling the mobilization unprecedented and portraying it as a sign of unity, social resilience and preparedness against external threats. Military and Basij figures used the occasion to stress that the movement would be expanded into training and defense battalions in the coming phase.

Speeches at the rally framed the gathering as both political and military in nature, with senior commanders saying it demonstrated popular backing for the Islamic establishment and would deter adversaries. They said the campaign would continue as part of a wider effort to strengthen sustainable security, train volunteers in multiple fields and expand the movement across the country. The atmosphere featured national flags, campaign banners, portraits of fallen commanders and slogans opposing the United States and Israel, as President Masoud Pezeshkian also attended the drill and visited marching units.