Iran Marks 200 Days of Pro-Regime Rallies Amid Economic Hardship

Iranian state media has been broadcasting images and videos of pro-government demonstrations held across the country, aiming to project national unity and public support for the Ayatollah regime. These rallies, which have continued for 200 days since September 15, occur against a backdrop of severe economic crisis and harsh repression within Iran. The demonstrations feature displays of military hardware, including missiles and drones, and even mass weddings, alongside fervent anti-Israel and anti-US chants.

Officials have lauded the demonstrators, with the Basij militia stating "the Iranian nation will remain in the streets and squares as long as required." Iran's Chief of Staff, Ali Abdollahi, claimed the public's presence "strengthened the morale of the fighters, enhanced national resilience, and sowed fear in the heart of the enemy." The Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Mohsen Rezaei, emphasized the public as Iran's most crucial asset for national security.

Key locations for these rallies include Tehran's Revolution Square, where participants have been seen waving Iranian and Hezbollah flags, praying, and chanting slogans. One reporter noted that attendees vowed not to leave until the "Zionist regime is destroyed." In Abuzar Square, a statue of the late IRGC Aerospace commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh was unveiled during a ceremony attended by Tehran's mayor, featuring fireworks and rocket displays.

The regime has also promoted a "Life Sacrifice" campaign, claiming over 30 million supporters have pledged to defend the country. A recent exercise involving these volunteers in Tehran, attended by President Masoud Pezeshkian, was presented as a show of unity, though described by observers as more of a procession.

Experts suggest that while these rallies are heavily promoted by the state, they do not necessarily reflect the regime's overall public standing, especially given the severe economic challenges and the brutal suppression of earlier anti-government protests. However, they acknowledge a significant core of support for the regime, which the government actively leverages to project strength domestically and internationally.