Hundreds of thousands of Iranians flooded the streets of Tehran and major cities across the country on Friday in a powerful show of unity and defiance, as nationwide demonstrations were held under the banner of “Friday of Rage and Victory.”

The protests come amid heightened military conflict with the Israeli occupation and increasingly hostile rhetoric from U.S. officials.

According to local reports, turnout across the capital and other provinces far exceeded expectations, with demonstrators raising slogans against Israeli aggression and affirming their support for the Iranian leadership and the Resistance axis.

The demonstrations follow a new wave of military escalations between Iran and the Israeli regime, including intensified drone and missile attacks from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Israeli military targets in recent days.

In a statement released Friday, Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council sent a clear message to Washington and Tel Aviv, rejecting any form of pressure or coercion aimed at the Islamic Republic.

“Trump and the delusional supporters of the Zionist entity should know that the surrender of our people or the imposition of peace are illusions that will not come true,” the Council said.

The statement also took direct aim at former U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of misunderstanding the Iranian nation’s endurance and the guiding influence of Shiite religious leadership.

“President Trump has failed to grasp the resilience of the Iranian people and the central role of the Shiite religious authority,” it added.

Coinciding with the public demonstrations, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released Statement No. 13 on Thursday, announcing the launch of the 15th wave of coordinated attacks on Israeli targets as part of “Operation True Promise 3.”

According to the IRGC, the latest barrage involved over 100 advanced drones and multiple missile strikes targeting military installations and defense industry centers in Haifa and Tel Aviv. Special emphasis was placed on neutralizing Israeli air defense batteries.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council reiterated on Friday that the Islamic Republic’s military campaign will persist until the Israeli occupation is held accountable for its crimes and aggression. The Council also warned that any third-party interference in the conflict would trigger “immediate and proportional retaliation” under pre-approved military protocols.

This declaration aligns with previous warnings from Iranian leadership that the war would not remain localized if external actors attempt to intervene on behalf of the Zionist regime.

In the streets of Tehran, protesters carried signs denouncing Israel and the United States while expressing unwavering support for the Palestinian and Lebanese resistance movements. Chants of “Death to Israel,” “No to American Hegemony,” and “Victory for Gaza and Quds” resounded throughout the day.

Observers say the mobilization reflects the deep national unity behind Iran’s stance, both in defense of its sovereignty and in support of oppressed nations resisting occupation and imperialism.

As tensions continue to rise across the region, Friday’s mass protests and coordinated military actions underscore Iran’s determination to confront external aggression on all fronts—militarily, diplomatically, and through grassroots resistance. (ILKHA)