Iranian women wearing hijabs and carrying rifles marched through Tehran on Friday as hundreds of thousands of people took part in a government-organised Janfada, or “Sacrifice for Iran”, rally. The event called on civilians to volunteer for military training as the Iran War continues. The rally became one of the largest government-organised demonstrations since the United States and Israel began their war against the Islamic Republic in February. Through the mobilisation, Iran's leadership is seeking to present an image of national unity while the country faces growing economic pressure from US sanctions and a naval blockade affecting Iranian ports. Participants moved through central Tehran wearing military-style clothing and carrying Iranian flags. Female members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also appeared at the event with rifles and stood near truck-mounted machine guns.

Iran Says More Than 600,000 People Have Joined Military Training Campaign

Iranian state media has promoted the Janfada campaign in recent days and encouraged civilians to register for military training. Organisers have told participants that training with assault rifles could begin soon. The proposed volunteers would provide an additional security force alongside Iran's existing military and paramilitary organisations, including the powerful IRGC and its volunteer Basij force. Tehran's IRGC chief, Gen. Hassan Hassanzadeh, told Iranian state television that more than 600,000 people had already registered for the programme. He said the number could eventually rise to more than one million people receiving military training. Meanwhile, Iranian state broadcasting estimated that more than 300,000 people gathered across Tehran on Friday. During the rally, newly appointed Basij chief Hossein Taeb said the volunteers would prepare for “full-fledged defense”. He also announced plans for similar rallies in other Iranian cities and described the new trainees as a “nightmare” for Iran's enemies. President Masoud Pezeshkian, senior military commanders and other top officials watched the procession as it moved through the capital. Some protesters stepped on US and Israeli flags, while large sections of the crowd also shouted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel”. The mobilisation comes as Iran's leadership attempts to maintain public support during the ongoing conflict. The government has presented the volunteer programme as part of national defence and intends to use civilian participation to strengthen the country's existing military and security structures.

Female Revolutionary Guard Members Carry Rifles at Tehran Rally

The Tehran demonstration also allowed Iran to showcase military equipment and highlight the role of its security forces during the wartime mobilisation. Organisers displayed anti-aircraft systems during the event. Female Revolutionary Guard members wearing black headscarves appeared beside truck-mounted machine guns while carrying rifles. The IRGC also showcased drones that Iran has used against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the supplied account. Iran has asserted control over the strategic waterway since the war began. The confrontation around the Strait of Hormuz has significantly disrupted shipments of oil and natural gas from the Gulf region, according to the account.

Iranian Woman Says Rally Sends Message to Trump

Among those attending the demonstration was 24-year-old Marzieh Afaghi, who arrived with her husband and toddler. Afaghi said she wanted to send a direct message to US President Donald Trump. “I am here to tell Trump that we Iranians have no fear about his threats against our homeland,” she said. She also claimed that no one in history had successfully invaded Iran and remained there. The rally therefore combined political messaging with a strong display of military preparedness, as organisers sought to show support for the government and resistance to foreign pressure.

Iran Faces Claims of Thousands Killed in Crackdown

The mobilisation comes amid continuing controversy over Iran's response to unrest and dissent. Activists have claimed that a subsequent government crackdown killed more than 7,000 people and led to tens of thousands of arrests. However, those figures remain disputed and could not be independently verified by the Associated Press. Against this backdrop, Friday's rally served multiple purposes for Iran's leadership. The event projected resistance against foreign military pressure while also demonstrating the government's ability to mobilise supporters and expand participation in its security structures. The participation of armed female Revolutionary Guard members and the proposed military training of civilian volunteers further highlighted the security-focused nature of the campaign.