Crowds numbering in the tens of thousands gathered in central Tehran on Monday as the authorities mobilised a mass show of support for the Islamic republic, days after nationwide anti-government demonstrations exposed renewed strains between the state and sections of society. State television footage showed people filling a major square, waving national and religious flags, chanting slogans backing the leadership and mourning members of the security forces killed during the unrest.The rally followed several days of protests across multiple cities, triggered by deep-seated economic pressures, social restrictions and political grievances that have periodically fuelled dissent in Iran over the past decade. While demonstrations have flared before, the scale and geographic spread of the latest protests prompted a swift response from the establishment, combining arrests, public warnings and efforts to reassert control in the streets.
Officials framed Monday’s gathering as a spontaneous outpouring of loyalty to the state and a tribute to security personnel described as having died while defending public order. Organisers emphasised themes of national unity, resistance to foreign interference and the legitimacy of the Islamic republic’s institutions. Placards and chants echoed familiar official narratives portraying unrest as the work of hostile external actors exploiting economic hardship and social tensions.
The presence of large crowds in Tehran underscored the state’s capacity to mobilise supporters, particularly through networks linked to religious institutions, state bodies and pro-government organisations. Such rallies have long been a feature of Iran’s political landscape, used to counterbalance images of dissent and to signal that the leadership retains a social base willing to appear publicly in its defence.
Security was visibly tight around the square, with police and plainclothes personnel deployed in large numbers. The atmosphere, as broadcast by state media, was choreographed and disciplined, contrasting sharply with footage circulated on social media over preceding days showing clashes between protesters and security forces, burning of property and heavy-handed crowd control measures.
The protests that preceded the rally were driven by a mix of economic frustration and political anger. High inflation, currency weakness and job insecurity have eroded living standards, particularly for urban youth and lower-income households. These pressures have been compounded by long-standing complaints over personal freedoms and governance, which periodically erupt into street demonstrations despite the risks involved.
Authorities acknowledged fatalities among security personnel but provided limited independent detail on the overall toll of the unrest. Human rights groups and activists have offered higher estimates of casualties and detentions, though such claims are difficult to verify amid restrictions on reporting and internet access. The state has defended its response as necessary to restore stability and prevent chaos.
The pro-government rally also served an internal signalling function, reassuring core supporters and officials that the system remains resilient. Analysts note that such demonstrations are aimed as much at domestic audiences as at the wider world, reinforcing the message that the leadership commands loyalty and can weather episodes of unrest.
At the same time, the need for a highly visible show of strength highlighted underlying anxieties. Iran’s leadership has faced repeated waves of protest over the years, each rooted in a slightly different mix of economic and social triggers but reflecting persistent structural challenges. While the state has proven adept at suppressing dissent, it has struggled to deliver sustained economic relief amid sanctions, mismanagement and regional tensions.
Public mourning for fallen security personnel, a central theme of Monday’s rally, has become an increasingly prominent element of official messaging. By foregrounding these deaths, the authorities seek to frame protests not as expressions of legitimate grievance but as violent acts threatening national security and social order. This narrative aims to justify tough measures while rallying sympathetic segments of the population.
Beyond Tehran, similar pro-government gatherings were reported in other cities, though on a smaller scale. These events were designed to project a nationwide image of solidarity, countering the earlier spread of protests from urban centres to provincial towns.