Thousands rally in Tehran in support of Iran

Hundreds of thousands of people joined a government-organised “Sacrifice for Iran” rally in Tehran on Friday, as the country sought to project national unity amid US and Israeli attacks.

The rally was held from Imam Hossein Square to Enghelab Square. Iranian state media reported that more than 300,000 people attended in the morning, while organisers claimed 313,000 “sacrifice units” took part. The figures could not be independently verified.

The event featured military-style displays and showcased missiles, drones and other military equipment as a message of preparedness to confront foreign attacks.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attended the rally and called for national unity, describing Iran as a country belonging to all Iranians regardless of religion, ethnicity or language.

Basij chief Hossein Taeb said volunteers taking part in the rally were ready to defend the country and announced similar events in other Iranian cities.

Women, military personnel, volunteers and people from different walks of life also participated. Iranian state and semi-official media portrayed the rally as a show of public support for the country and readiness to face potential foreign attacks.

The Associated Press described it as one of the largest government-organised rallies in Iran since the war began.