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IN PHOTOS: Iran rally draws massive crowds as volunteers pledge to defend the country

Updated On: 18 September, 2026 06:41 PM IST | Janhavi Pingale

Iran witnessed a major government-organised rally in Tehran, where large crowds gathered as volunteers pledged to defend the country amid ongoing tensions and war with the US and Israel. Participants marched in combat uniforms, carried flags, and attended displays of military hardware, while senior Iranian officials watched the proceedings. (Pics/AFP)

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Members of Iran's Basij paramilitary force take part in the military rally, in Tehran on Friday. Pic/AFP
Members of Iran's Basij paramilitary force take part in the military rally, in Tehran on Friday. Pic/AFP
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Hundreds of thousands of Iranians rally in downtown Tehran on Friday in the biggest government-organised show of defiance since the war began
Hundreds of thousands of Iranians rally in downtown Tehran on Friday in the biggest government-organised show of defiance since the war began
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Iranian volunteers take part in the rally as part of the ‘Janfaday-e Iran’ campaign, which calls on people to prepare to defend the country
Iranian volunteers take part in the rally as part of the ‘Janfaday-e Iran’ campaign, which calls on people to prepare to defend the country
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State media has encouraged Iranians to join the campaign, with training involving assault rifles expected to begin soon, according to officials
State media has encouraged Iranians to join the campaign, with training involving assault rifles expected to begin soon, according to officials
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Participants march through Tehran carrying Iranian flags as volunteers pledge readiness to undergo military training and defend the country
Participants march through Tehran carrying Iranian flags as volunteers pledge readiness to undergo military training and defend the country
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Iran’s Revolutionary Guard chief Hassan Hassanzadeh said more than 6 lakh people had registered for the volunteer campaign, with more expected to join training
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard chief Hassan Hassanzadeh said more than 6 lakh people had registered for the volunteer campaign, with more expected to join training
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The massive rally comes as Iran faces worsening economic pressure from a US naval blockade of its ports and new US sanctions.
The massive rally comes as Iran faces worsening economic pressure from a US naval blockade of its ports and new US sanctions.

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