Thousands of IRGC, Basij volunteers march through Tehran in show of defiance against US, Israel

Hundreds of thousands of Iranians participated in a regime-organized rally in Tehran on Friday, the largest show of defiance since the US and Israel attacked Iran in February. Participants marched in combat uniforms, chanted anti-US and anti-Israel slogans, and expressed willingness to take up arms. The IRGC commander reported over 600,000 registrations for a volunteer training program, with expectations of over 1 million participants.

Hundreds of thousands of Iranians participated in a regime-organized rally in Tehran on Friday, the largest show of defiance since the US and Israel attacked Iran in February. Participants marched through central Tehran in combat uniforms, carrying flags, while crowds cheered. Some protesters stepped on US and Israeli flags and chanted 'Death to America' and 'Death to Israel.' The rally was part of the 'Janfada Iran' initiative, meaning 'those who sacrifice their lives for Iran.' IRGC commander General Hassan Hassanzadeh told state television that over 600,000 people had registered for the volunteer training program, with expectations of over 1 million participants. Iranian television estimated over 300,000 people attended, though the figure could not be independently verified. The new head of the Basij, Hossein Taeb, said the volunteers would be ready for 'comprehensive defense' and would become a 'nightmare' for Iran's enemies. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior officials watched the parade. The rally also served as a display of military equipment, including air defense systems and drones used in attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Separately, Iran claimed responsibility for an attack on an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The article notes that the recruitment initiative could strengthen the regime's ability to suppress future protests, referencing large demonstrations in January before the war.