300,000 Iranians attend biggest pro-regime rally since war began as Tehran recruits new ‘volunteer’ forces

Independent -Sept18th2026

Nasser Karimi, Cara Anna & Lee Keath

Hundreds of thousands of Iranians took to the streets of Tehran on Friday in a massive government-organized display of defiance as they pledged their readiness to take up arms in the largest demonstration since the war began in February.

Tehran is seeking to project national unity as its economy struggles under the weight of a US naval blockade and fresh sanctions. The Iranian government simultaneously reported launching a new attack on a commercial vessel in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime passage it has attempted to control since the war began.

Varying reports emerged regarding the headcount of volunteers enlisting for limited military instruction to safeguard the nation in an initiative dubbed “Janfaday-e Iran,” or the “ones who sacrifice their lives for Iran.” Dressed in combat uniforms and waving flags, participants marched through central Tehran as onlookers cheered.

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For days, state media channels have urged citizens to join the effort, broadcasting that training with assault rifles will commence shortly. These new recruits are expected to provide an extra layer of security alongside the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and the Basij militia, which has previously played a central role in quashing anti-government demonstrations.

Gen. Hassan Hassanzadeh, head of the Revolutionary Guard in Tehran, stated on national television that over 600,000 individuals had signed up, predicting eventual participation would surpass 1 million. State media estimated Friday morning’s crowd size at over 300,000 people on the streets.

Addressing the rally as it got underway, newly appointed Basij commander Hossein Taeb declared that volunteers would stand prepared for a “full-fledged defense,” adding that similar demonstrations would soon take place in other cities.

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Taeb further asserted that the new trainees would become a “nightmare” for Iran’s enemies, speaking before an audience that included President Masoud Pezeshkian, senior defense officials, and military commanders.

Demonstrators trampled American and Israeli flags while chanting slogans such as “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”

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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iran-rally-war-volunteer-forces-b3052635.html