Hundreds of Thousands Rally in Tehran as Iran Mobilises Volunteers for Military Training

Hundreds of thousands of Iranians gathered in Tehran on Friday, September 18, in the largest government-organised demonstration since the war with the United States and Israel began in February. The rally, known as “Janfaday-e Iran,” or “those who sacrifice their lives for Iran,” was organised to project national unity and readiness to defend the country amid the prolonged conflict and mounting economic pressure. (AP News)

Participants marched through central Tehran carrying Iranian flags, with some wearing military-style uniforms. Military equipment, including drones and anti-aircraft systems, was also displayed. Iranian officials gave varying figures for participation, with Revolutionary Guard chief Gen. Hassan Hassanzadeh saying more than 600,000 people had registered for limited military training, while state television estimated that more than 300,000 people were on Tehran’s streets. Officials said the number of trainees could eventually exceed one million. (The Times of Israel)

The programme is intended to create an additional pool of people capable of defending Iran alongside the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its volunteer Basij organisation. Basij chief Hossein Taeb told participants that the volunteers would be prepared for what he called “full-fledged defense,” while indicating that similar rallies would be held in other cities. The demonstration also featured strong anti-American and anti-Israeli messaging, with some participants chanting slogans against both countries and trampling on their flags. (The Washington Post)

The mobilisation comes as Iran faces severe economic pressure linked to the war, U.S. sanctions and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. The rally provides the government with an opportunity to project resistance and national solidarity, although its size does not necessarily represent the views of the wider Iranian population. Iran has also experienced major anti-government protests this year, including demonstrations initially driven by economic grievances that later broadened into wider political opposition.