TEHRAN—Hundreds of thousands of Iranians gathered in central Tehran on Friday in a government-organized demonstration calling for volunteers to join military training units.
State broadcaster estimates put participation at over 300,000 by Friday morning, though Tehran Guard chief General Hassan Hassanzadeh told state television that more than 600,000 had registered and over 1 million were expected to participate in the training program.
The rally featured a public recruitment drive for volunteers described as "Janfaday-e Iran," meaning "the ones who sacrifice their lives for Iran." State media announced that assault rifle training would begin soon, with the new volunteers intended to create an additional layer of security alongside the new Guard and its all-volunteer Basij force.
Hossein Taeb, the new head of the Basij, delivered the opening speech, stating the volunteers would be prepared for "full-fledged defense." He declared the new trainees would become a "nightmare" for Iran's enemies, with similar rallies planned for other cities.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, military commanders and senior officials observed the march. Some participants trampled on U.S. and Israeli flags while chanting "Death to America" and "Death to Israel."
Marzieh Afaghi, 24, attended the rally with her toddler and husband. "I am here to tell Trump that we Iranians have no fear about his threats against our homeland," she said. "No one in history could invade Iran and remain there."
The event showcased military hardware including anti-aircraft batteries, female Guard members positioned beside truck-mounted machine guns, and drones that Iran has deployed against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began in February.
Iran has asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict's start, sharply affecting oil and natural gas shipments from the Gulf region to world markets.
The rally also signals a strengthened role for hardline figures like Taeb in managing potential future protests against the theocracy. In January, prior to the February conflict, Iran experienced widespread nationwide protests over economic struggles and broader grievances. Activists reported that a government crackdown resulted in more than 7,000 deaths and the detention of tens of thousands.
