Iran's First Friday Prayers Amid Ongoing US-Israel Conflict

The current conflict between Iran and a coalition of the United States and Israel escalated significantly following a series of military strikes that began on February 28, 2026. These strikes targeted Iranian military sites and infrastructure, resulting in substantial casualties. Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes against US bases in Gulf countries and mainland Israel. The violence intensified with the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during these strikes, marking a pivotal moment in the conflict.

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On March 6, 2026, Iranians gathered for the first Friday prayers since the outbreak of the war. The prayers took place in Tehran and other cities, including Ilam, Borujerd, and Zahedan. Worshippers, many dressed in black and carrying portraits of Khamenei, expressed their grief and solidarity by chanting anti-US and anti-Israeli slogans. The event was marked by heavy security, with crowds streaming to the Grand Mosque of Imam Khomeini despite ongoing bombardments. Iranian media reported that nearly 1,000 people had died in the strikes, while at least 10 fatalities were confirmed in Israel from Iranian retaliatory actions.

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The conflict has not only affected Iran and Israel but has also had repercussions across the Middle East. Israeli military operations have extended to southern Lebanon, displacing many Lebanese civilians. In response to Iranian missile strikes, countries in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, have faced threats and attacks due to their associations with US and Israeli military presence.

Amid the escalating violence, Israel's Civil Administration announced the cancellation of Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, citing security concerns related to Iranian retaliatory strikes. This decision has drawn criticism from religious leaders, including Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, who condemned the closure as unjustified. The mosque, a significant religious site for Muslims, has faced increasing restrictions, which have been a point of contention even prior to the current conflict.

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Israeli officials, including Civil Administration Chief Brigadier General Hisham Ibrahim, justified the closure of Al-Aqsa by linking it to the broader regional conflict initiated by Iran. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have portrayed the Friday prayers as a demonstration of national unity and resistance against foreign aggression.

Critics of the Israeli government's actions argue that the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the military strikes on Iran exacerbate tensions and undermine peace efforts in the region. They contend that such measures are exploitative and unjustified, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

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• “The occupation authorities are exploiting any occasion to close Al-Aqsa, and this is completely unjustified,” — Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, Senior Imam at Al-Aqsa

• “about to surge dramatically” — Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary

The ongoing conflict continues to evolve, with significant implications for regional stability and international relations.