More than 600,000 Iranians participated in a demonstration held on Friday to declare readiness to defend the country in Tehran. This event is considered the largest anti-American display following months of war and in the wake of attacks by the United States and Israel in February.
Government Support for the Demonstration and Emphasis on National Unity
The Iranian government has sought to call on the people for solidarity and national unity, even as the country's economic situation has severely worsened under the impact of the U.S. naval blockade and new sanctions. Statistics show that many individuals have registered for limited military training and to defend the country. Demonstrators marched through the central streets of Tehran in military uniforms and with Iranian flags.
Statistics and Details of the Demonstration
The head of the Tehran Revolutionary Guard, General Hassan Hassan-Zadeh, announced in an interview with state media that more than 600,000 people had registered to participate in this demonstration, and it is expected that over 1 million will take part in this training. On Friday morning, it was estimated that more than 300,000 people were present in the streets. Hossein Taeb, the new head of the Basij, stated in a speech at the beginning of the demonstration that these volunteers would be prepared for "full-scale defense" and similar demonstrations would also be held in other cities.
Demonstrators trampled on the flags of the United States and Israel and shouted slogans such as "Death to America" and "Death to Israel." One participant, Maryam Afaghi, 24, stated: "I am here to tell (U.S. President Donald) Trump that we Iranians are not afraid of his threats against our homeland."
Militarization and Display of Military Equipment
This demonstration was an opportunity for Iran to showcase its military equipment. Anti-aircraft systems and drones that have been widely used in the war were displayed to the public. Female members of the Revolutionary Guard were also seen in black coverings and heavy weapons next to military vehicles.
The demonstration on Friday reflects the increased readiness of hardline factions in Iran's leadership to suppress any future protests against the Islamic Republic. In January, just before the war began, Iran witnessed some of the largest nationwide protests in its history, initially sparked by economic issues and then evolving into broader grievances. Civil activists had reported that the crackdowns resulted in the deaths of over 7,000 people and the arrest of tens of thousands.
In May, government officials announced that over 30 million Iranians — out of an approximate population of 90 million — had volunteered through online forms or at public gatherings to sacrifice their lives in support of the Islamic Republic. However, these figures have not been verified by independent sources.
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