Iran's Nightly Rallies Expose Divisions After 3 Months of War as Leaders Push Street Mobilization
Updated
Updated · Middle East Eye · Jun 6
Iran's Nightly Rallies Expose Divisions After 3 Months of War as Leaders Push Street Mobilization
1 articles · Updated · Middle East Eye · Jun 6
Summary
Nightly pro-government rallies that began in mid-March are still drawing crowds across Iran, with supporters framing them as a show of national survival during the US-Israeli war that started on February 28.
Tehran residents interviewed by Middle East Eye said the gatherings mix patriotism, fear of wider destruction and state-backed mobilization, with critics describing many participants as Basij, hard-liners or Revolutionary Guard supporters.
Months of demonstrations have also strained daily life in the capital, where blocked streets, loudspeakers and heavy police presence have fueled resentment among residents living near rally sites.
The rallies now double as a pressure campaign over diplomacy: Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf have urged supporters to stay in the streets even as talks with Washington continue.
That message has exposed splits inside Iran's conservative camp, with hard-liners opposing any US engagement and Khamenei warning on May 28 against turning internal disagreements into open division.