Show of Strength as Pro-Govt Rallies Fill Iran Streets

In a show of support for the government, tens of thousands of Iranians poured into the streets of Tehran and other major cities on Monday, as authorities moved to project strength and unity after weeks of unrest rooted in economic hardship and fuelled by the US and Israel.

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State television broadcast images of large crowds moving toward Enghelab Square in the capital, waving national flags and chanting slogans in support of the Islamic Republic and its leadership. Similar rallies were reported across the country, with events beginning at 2:00 p.m. local time in most provinces, while some regions saw gatherings earlier in the morning.State television broadcast images of large crowds moving toward Enghelab Square in the capital, waving national flags and chanting slogans in support of the Islamic Republic and its leadership. Similar rallies were reported across the country, with events beginning at 2:00 p.m. local time in most provinces, while some regions saw gatherings earlier in the morning.

Iranian media described the rallies as an “Iranian uprising against American-Zionist project”, framing the demonstrations as a response to what officials characterise as foreign-backed attempts to destabilise the country. The broadcasts emphasised participation from “all walks of life”, portraying the rallies as proof that the government retains popular support despite days of unrest.

The pro-government mobilisation followed more than two weeks of unrest that erupted over Iran's struggling economy, inflation, and unemployment. While some of the initial demonstrations were peaceful, particularly those involving shopkeepers and workers, they later turned violent, with officials accusing the United States and Israel of exploiting legitimate economic grievances to incite chaos.