Tens of thousands of Iranians gathered in mass rallies nationwide to show loyalty to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and emphasize national unity. The demonstrations, held in various cities on the birthday of the eighth Imam of Shiite Muslims, Imam Reza, took place from 16:00 local time to 21:00 on Wednesday. In Tehran, participants marched from Imam Hossein Square to Azadi Square, carrying Iranian flags and images of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who died in a US and Israeli attack in late February.
Several dignitaries, including Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani and Iran’s Constitutional Council spokesman Hadi Tahan Naizf, joined the crowds. The attendees voiced anti-United States and anti-Israel slogans, expressing support for Iran’s Islamic establishment and stressing the importance of preserving national unity. Along the rally route, a pavilion was erected to honor those who lost their lives in a US and Israeli assault on a school in the southern Iranian city of Minab at the beginning of the 40-day conflict with Iran.
During the Tehran rally, Iran’s indigenous “Kheibarshekan” missile and “Shahed 136” drone were showcased. The joint attacks by Israel and the US on Tehran and other Iranian cities on February 28 resulted in the deaths of Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior commanders, and civilians. In response, Iran launched missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US assets in the Middle East. A ceasefire was eventually reached between the conflicting parties on April 8.
