Iranians have flooded the streets to mark the International Quds Day to support the Palestinian cause despite the continued barbaric bombing by Israel and the United States in neighborhoods near the demonstrations, but the fearless people of Iran did not seem afraid

Araweelo News Network – Associated Online Agencies

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Tehran (ANN) – Millions of people across Iran poured into the streets on Friday to mark International Quds Day, expressing solidarity with Palestinians and condemning Israel and its ally the United States amid escalating regional tensions.
Large demonstrations were reported in more than 900 cities and thousands of towns and villages across the country. In the capital Tehran, tens of thousands of marchers gathered along major routes leading to University of Tehran, carrying Palestinian flags and chanting slogans in support of the Palestinian cause.
Participants also displayed portraits of Ruhollah Khomeini, who established the annual event in 1979, as well as Iran’s current leadership. Despite cold weather and rainfall, crowds continued to march, condemning the ongoing war in Gaza and warning against what they described as U.S.-Israeli military pressure on Iran.
Nationwide Demonstrations
Similar rallies were held in cities across the country, from the Persian Gulf coast to the Caspian Sea region. In the northeastern city of Mashhad, large crowds gathered at central squares ahead of the official start of the march.
Demonstrations were also reported in Golestan Province, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, and Kermanshah, where residents joined rallies condemning Israeli military operations in Gaza and voicing opposition to U.S. policies in the region.
Officials said people from different ethnic and religious communities—including Persians, Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen and Baloch—participated in the demonstrations, reflecting broad national involvement in the annual event.
Symbol of Palestinian Solidarity
International Quds Day is observed each year on the last Friday of Ramadan and is intended to express support for Palestinians and call for the status of Jerusalem to be resolved in favor of Palestinian self-determination.
This year’s rallies come amid heightened tensions across the Middle East as conflict continues in Gaza and regional powers exchange threats of further escalation.
Message to the International Community
Speakers at several rallies emphasized Iran’s continued support for Palestinian rights and criticized Western backing of Israel. Participants carried banners and placards denouncing war and calling for the end of the Gaza conflict.
Analysts say the large turnout reflects both Iran’s domestic political messaging and its effort to demonstrate support for what Tehran calls the “axis of resistance,” a regional network of groups aligned with Iran.
As regional tensions remain high, the demonstrations highlight the political and symbolic role that International Quds Day continues to play in Iran’s foreign policy narrative and its stance on the Palestinian issue.

By Arraale M Jama Freelance Journalist and Human Rights
activist.

 

Araweelo News Network – Associated Online Agencies

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