Story perspectives

Iran’s biggest wartime rally draws 300,000 in Tehran

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 3:06 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Iran staged its largest wartime rally with over 300,000 participants marching through Tehran.
General Hassan Hassanzadeh reported over 600,000 registrations and expects more than 1 million volunteers to train.
Basij commander Hossein Taeb said volunteers will be ready for defence and future rallies will follow.
The rally showcased anti-aircraft batteries, truck-mounted machine guns and drones.
Iran claimed to have attacked a Togo-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, unverified.

History

Historical Context

Mass protests on 10-11 December 1978 saw 6-9 million Iranians march against Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a turnout that helped topple the monarchy and empower Ayatollah Khomeini’s new Islamic Republic in February 1979. The regime later created the Basij militia, which in 2024 staged a Tehran rally across the capital of about 300,000 participants, echoing the earlier mass mobilization.

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Story summary

Iran staged its largest wartime rally with over 300,000 participants marching through Tehran.
General Hassan Hassanzadeh reported over 600,000 registrations and expects more than 1 million volunteers to train.
Basij commander Hossein Taeb said volunteers will be ready for defence and future rallies will follow.
The rally showcased anti-aircraft batteries, truck-mounted machine guns and drones.
Iran claimed to have attacked a Togo-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, unverified.

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