TEHRAN – Tens of thousands of Iranians took them to the streets across the country on Friday in a massive demonstration, condemning the recent Israeli invasion and continuing their prayers to express their unified support for the country’s military.
The national gathering, held amid rising tensions, served as both a collective display of public grief and a strong affirmation of national resilience.
In the capital, Tehran, crowds flooded the streets as they marched to Azadi Tower in Engelab Square, University of Tehran. The chants of “Death to the Zionist Regime,” “Death to America’s Arraignment,” and “Long-time Martyr” echoed throughout the city. The protesters were of all life (men and women), old and young, many people of all life (men and women), dressed in traditional and modern clothing to show the unity of the nation.
Similar rallies took place in major cities such as Mashhad, Isfahan, Tabriz, QOM, Shiraz, Kazbin, Yazd and Gilan. At each location, demonstrators expressed unwavering support for Iranian troops, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Despite the persistent security threats, public voter turnout was important. Protesters chanted slogans such as “the battle with Israel to the last drop of blood” and “the battle with Israel and America without compromising,” highlighting their commitment to resist what is called the attacks of Zionist and imperialism.
The rally was not only political in nature, but also deeply emotional as it coincided with funerals for those killed in recent Israeli missile attacks. A large funeral was held at Behesht Zahra Cemetery in Tehran. There, the Mourners gathered at noon to honor Mar instructors. The ceremony was broadcast live on television nationwide and became a symbol of both mourning and resolution.
One of the most heartbreaking scenes from Isfahan was a funeral for a member of the family who had been marching in Najafad after being hit directly by an Israeli projectile. All passengers, including her pregnant mother and her infant, were killed in what Iranian officials described as a war crime.
“The blood of our children will not spill in vain,” one mourner said in the queue. “Their sacrifices only strengthened their will to stand up to the invaders.”
These developments followed a series of unprovoked Israeli strikes, and brought about the martial arts of several senior military commanders, nuclear scientists, and numerous civilians, including women and children. In retaliation, Iran launched Operation True Promise III, a multi-phase military campaign targeting Israeli forces and intelligence report infrastructure in occupied Palestinian territory.
Military analysts say the 17th-President’s operations reveal significant weaknesses in Israel’s air defense systems. Missiles and drones launched by the IRGC reportedly attacked high-value targets and forced administration officials and settlers to search for shelter in underground bunkers and emergency facilities.
The broader show of regional solidarity also held rallies in Iraq and Yemen on the same day. Protesters from these countries condemned what is considered an escalation of Israel’s war crimes and expressed solid support for Iran’s retaliatory actions. The protest highlighted the growing regional rebellion against Israeli policy and the perceived accomplices of the United States and other Western countries.
The message from the city was clear as chants of “Death to Israel” and “Death to America” echoed in Iranian cities. Iranians continue to resist, shake up support for the military and are determined to demand justice.