On September 18, a large-scale anti-US and anti-Israel rally led by the Iranian government was held in the capital, Tehran. The event was part of “Janfada-ye Iran (Those Ready to Sacrifice Their Lives for Iran),” abbreviated as “Janfada,” which began on March 29. President Pezeshkian, military commanders, and government officials also attended.
Iranian authorities estimated the number of rally participants at 313,000. AP and other outlets reported it as the largest demonstration since the outbreak of the war with the USA and Israel in February of this year.
The Iranian government unveiled a newly established volunteer militia unit at the rally. This unit will undergo military training and emergency response training and will serve as an additional security force assisting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij militia.
Volunteers marched through downtown Tehran in combat uniforms, carrying flags. Women wearing hijabs also participated in the procession while carrying guns. The government displayed drones and anti-aircraft guns used in attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, showcasing its military power.
Participants carried red flags vowing revenge for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and chanted slogans of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” throughout the event.
Basij Commander Hossein Taeb said, “Janfada is the largest popular movement in the history of world warfare,” and “It is a nightmare for enemies and a symbol of national resistance and development for this country.” He also stated that to establish a comprehensive defense posture, they plan to incorporate Janfada participants into defense battalions and conduct basic and advanced military training in the army, navy, and air force sectors.
IRGC Tehran Commander Hassan Hassanzadeh said in an interview with state television that 600,000 people had applied to participate in the Janfada movement, and that more than 1 million people are expected to participate in training. Iranian authorities stated that volunteer recruitment is part of a broader national defense strategy.
One participant told Al Jazeera in an interview, “We want to show the world that Iran is strong and united,” and “We do not want war, but we are ready to defend our homeland to the end.”
