Hundreds of thousands of people have joined rallies across Iran in a government-organised display of unity, with participants pledging to defend the country as President Donald Trump considers whether to launch a further offensive against Tehran.
The mobilisation, described as “Janfaday-e Iran” – meaning those who sacrifice their lives for Iran – is the largest such demonstration since the United States and Israel attacked Iran in February.
Iranian military and civilian groups took part in Friday’s events as the country faces mounting economic and social pressure during the conflict. State media has spent weeks encouraging people to join the campaign, saying participants will soon receive limited training with assault rifles.
General Hassan Hassanzadeh, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, said more than 600,000 people had registered for the programme. He said the eventual number could exceed one million, while Iran’s state broadcaster estimated that more than 300,000 people had taken to the streets.
Some demonstrators trampled on American and Israeli flags, while others chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel”.
Trump weighs decision on Iranian regime
Mr Trump said he was preparing to decide whether to intensify the US campaign against Iran, telling Axios: “I have a big decision coming up. Do I want to go in and annihilate them or do I not? It’s a big decision. Anything could happen with me.”
His remarks came before a planned meeting with Persian Gulf leaders on the sidelines of next week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York. Several Gulf states host American military forces and have been targeted by Iran in retaliation for the conflict.
Asked whether he would also meet Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr Trump said: “I may.”
