Crowds in Tehran gathered for the annual Quds Day rally on Friday, where many people were seen taking photos and selfies with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior officials.
According to reports, the gathering later witnessed nearby strikes blamed on the United States and Israel. At least one woman was killed in the attack. State television footage showed Pezeshkian greeting supporters and posing for selfies on rain-soaked streets during the march supporting the Palestinian cause, the Associated Press reported.
Top Iranian officials attend rally in show of defiance
Several senior Iranian leaders joined the demonstration, signalling unity despite the ongoing conflict. Among those present were national security chief Ali Larijani, judiciary chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, national police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan and foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
Their participation marked a rare public appearance by top officials after the February 28 attack that killed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other senior figures.
Larijani calls strikes ‘acts of desperation’
Ali Larijani criticised the airstrikes near the rally and described them as a sign of weakness."These attacks are out of fear, out of desperation. One who is strong wouldn't bomb demonstrations at all. It's clear that it has failed," Larijani told state television. The remarks reflected Iran’s attempt to project strength despite the ongoing conflict.
Strike interrupts interview during rally
During the demonstration, Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei was speaking with a state TV reporter when a strike occurred nearby. His bodyguards quickly surrounded him for protection. Despite the tension, he raised his fist and declared that Iran would not back down.
Iran “under this rain and missiles will never withdraw.” He continued by saying, “Our people are not afraid of the bombing, we will continue along this route.” Videos shared by Russian media outlets also showed the president and other officials interacting with the crowd during the rally.
Pezeshkian criticises Trump
President Pezeshkian also directed criticism at US President Donald Trump during the event. He said Trump underestimated the resolve of the Iranian people. “Doesn't understand that the Iranian people are a brave nation, a strong nation, a determined nation”. He added, "The more he presses, the stronger the nation's determination will become."
Explosions reported near demonstration site
Later on Friday, powerful explosions shook central Tehran not far from the location of the rally, according to state television reports. The attack occurred despite earlier warnings from Israel that it might target locations in the Iranian capital.The demonstration still went ahead, highlighting the determination of both sides as the conflict continues to escalate nearly two weeks after it began.
Protesters show support for Khamenei family
Thousands of participants marched through Tehran during the rally to show solidarity with Palestinians and opposition to Israel. Many demonstrators carried images of Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba Khamenei, who is widely viewed as his successor. Protesters were also seen stepping on pictures of Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to journalists from Agence France-Presse.
Mojtaba Khamenei yet to appear publicly
Mojtaba Khamenei recently issued his first public statement after being named as his father’s successor. Reports say he was injured during the early attacks that marked the start of the war. However, he has not yet appeared in public since the conflict began.