Millions Rally Across Iran in Support of State, Reject Unrest

TEHRAN – Massive, million-man protests surged across Iran on Monday morning under the banner of “National Solidarity and Honoring Peace and Friendship.” The demonstrations served as a powerful condemnation of recent armed riots and a reaffirmation of popular support for the Islamic Republic.

From Tehran to the southeastern provinces, Iranians poured into the streets to denounce the unrest and support state stability. Participants brandished the flag of the Islamic Republic and chanted slogans against the United States and Israel, expressing a firm rejection of foreign meddling in Iran’s internal affairs.

A Unified Stance Against Sabotage

According to field reports, the demonstrators emphasized their commitment to national security. In several cities, the rallies coincided with solemn funeral processions for security personnel targeted and killed during the recent violence.

İran’da Türklerin yoğun olduğu Güney Azerbaycan Urmiye’de halk, İslam Cumhuriyeti’ne destek için meydanlara akın etti.

“Azerbaycan cesurdur ve asla Hamaney’den ayrılmayacaktır.”

“Azerbaycan dimdik ayakta, İmam Hamaney bizim liderimizdir.”

Şeklinde tezahüratlar yapıldı. pic.twitter.com/q1U9maUgah

— Kongar (@ultrarrow) January 12, 2026

State television broadcast live footage of massive crowds spanning cities such as Zahedan, Birjand, and Kerman. The message from the streets was clear: while peaceful protest is a recognized right, armed chaos and foreign-backed interference will not be tolerated.

On Sunday, the Iranian government and the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) called for these national rallies to reject sabotage. Officials held the United States and Israel responsible for orchestrating acts of violence and the deaths of both civilians and officers. In Kermanshah province, protesters voiced strong opposition to external intervention, raising slogans of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”

Honoring the Fallen

Amid heightened tensions, public funerals were held for members of the Internal Security Forces.

• In Bojnurd (North Khorasan), two officers were laid to rest.
• Similar ceremonies took place in Gachsaran (Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad) and Ilam.

Iranian Police Chief Ahmad Reza Radan warned that those siding with rioters become victims of the violence they help create. He emphasized the distinction between peaceful citizens with economic grievances and instigators following a deliberate plan to target Iranian youth. Radan confirmed that several key instigators were arrested overnight and will face legal proceedings without leniency.

Leadership Denounces Foreign Orchestration

Iranian officials have repeatedly stated that armed sabotage has infiltrated legitimate protests regarding the economic situation. They have accused US-Israeli-linked networks of fueling the violence to destabilize the nation.

On January 11, President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the nation, stating:

“The riots are being directed by the United States and Israel, which are issuing orders with the aim of undermining Iran’s security.”

President Pezeshkian clarified that while the people have the right to voice objections, the government distinguishes between legitimate protests and organized crime. He affirmed that the administration remains determined to pursue economic reforms through lawful channels rather than through the “sedition” seen in the streets.

IRGC: “Defeat Awaits the Aggressors”

The IRGC issued a statement noting that acts of violence by terrorist groups linked to the U.S. and the Israeli regime have led to the deaths of hundreds of Iranian citizens. The statement claimed that Donald Trump, with Western backing and in coordination with Benjamin Netanyahu, has armed and directed mercenary groups to carry out operations inside Iran.

The IRGC concluded that the Iranian people, through this large-scale public mobilization, have delivered a “decisive blow” to those seeking to undermine Iran’s progress, independence, and national strength.