Iranians rally in biggest show of defiance against US since war began

Iranian officials held a large rally in central Tehran to unveil a new volunteer force intended to provide an additional layer of security alongside the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij militia. Participants marched in combat uniforms, some carrying weapons and flags, while state displays included drones, anti-aircraft batteries and other military equipment. Authorities reported 313,000 people attended the capital event, a figure that could not be independently verified. Senior officials at the rally included President Masoud Pezeshkian and Basij head Hossein Taeb. The IRGC’s chief, Hassan Hassanzadeh, told state media that more than 600,000 people had registered to participate in the Janfada-ye-Iran campaign — roughly translated as “Those who sacrifice their lives for Iran” — and that over one million are expected to take part in training. Iranian authorities have said that more than 30 million people registered for a potential call-up. Officials and participants framed the mobilisation as part of a wider defence strategy. Organisers described the volunteers as a demonstration of national unity and readiness to defend the country; some volunteers said they joined to show determination to resist external pressure. Women and teenagers have reportedly registered with the volunteer units, and the campaign began in early April amid US-Israeli attacks, according to the reporting. The rally comes as Iran faces intensified economic pressure, including a US naval blockade of ports and fresh sanctions targeting digital currency networks. Iranian officials, including Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, denounced what they called an economic campaign designed to inflict hardship. Authorities have linked the mobilisation and public displays of force to domestic political dynamics and the government’s effort to reassert control following widespread protests that erupted last December.