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IDF strikes rock Tehran during Quds Day mass rally — regime march continues amid explosions

·Tehran, Iran

Israeli airstrikes struck Tehran as Iran's regime organized mass Quds Day (International Al-Quds Day) rallies across Iranian cities. March 13 is the last Friday of Ramadan — historically Iran's largest pro-regime march day. Explosions were heard during the rally. The regime-organized marches continued in other parts of Tehran despite the strikes, as CNN reported 'blasts rock Tehran during mass rally.' The juxtaposition of pro-regime marching and ongoing IDF strikes offers a striking image of the regime's dual reality: projecting strength publicly while its military infrastructure is targeted overhead.

Israeli airstrikes struck Tehran as Iran's regime organized Quds Day (International Al-Quds Day) mass rallies across Iranian cities. Quds Day falls on the last Friday of Ramadan — historically Iran's largest day of regime-organized public mobilization, used to project solidarity with Palestinians and signal regime unity. Explosions were heard across Tehran during the rallies, as reported by CNN. Despite the ongoing war, Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had encouraged Iranians to attend the Quds Day marches 'to project an image of unity amid the war and concerns about regime stability,' per ISW analysis. The IRGC similarly called on Iranians to march. The concurrent strikes and marches represent the regime's dual messaging challenge: organizing public displays of defiance and unity while IDF strikes hammer the capital and Hegseth claims the leadership is 'cowering underground.' The marches represent Iran's attempt to maintain narrative control domestically even as the military situation deteriorates.

Actor responses

IsraelSUPPORTINGCLAIM

IDF operations against legitimate military targets in Tehran continue regardless of regime-organized civilian events. Military infrastructure has no immunity.

IranSUPPORTINGCLAIM

Millions of Iranians marched for Quds Day today defying Zionist aggression. The nation's will is unbroken. The Islamic Resistance is stronger than ever.