Hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in massive pro-government rallies in Iran’s capital Tehran and other provinces against foreign-sponsored terrorism and instability. The events, which began at noon local time on Monday, declared unwavering support for the Islamic Republic and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
State television footage showed crowds pouring into Tehran’s Engleb Square and other cities. Protesters chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” Funerals and mourning processions for security personnel killed in cities including Kerman, Zahedan, Birjand and Semnan were also widely attended.
State and pro-government media have described the rallies as a “national uprising against American-Zionist terrorism.” Authorities claim that US- and Israeli-backed groups are trying to exploit economic discontent to spread violence.
Earlier, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei called on the country not to bow to vandals. President Masoud Pezeshkian said that peaceful protests are not the same as riots and that foreign-sponsored violence is unacceptable. The speaker of parliament and the judiciary have also announced a tough stance against armed rioters.
Participants in the rally said that while the allegations of the economic crisis are valid, the solution must come from within the country, and foreign intervention will not be accepted.