Millions Rally Across Iran to Reject Armed Riots and Foreign Interference
Nationwide rallies affirm popular support for Iran’s sovereignty, reject armed chaos, and condemn US–Israeli meddling
Iran | PUREWILAYAH.COM — Massive, million-man demonstrations swept across Iran on Monday as people poured into the streets to condemn armed riots, reject foreign interference, and reaffirm their support for the Islamic Republic and national stability.
The rallies were held under the banner of “National Solidarity and Honoring Peace and Friendship”, stretching from Tehran to southeastern provinces, and marked one of the largest public mobilizations in recent days.
Nationwide Mobilization Across Provinces
Demonstrations spread across several provinces, with participants waving the Iranian flag and chanting slogans against the United States and “Israel,” expressing firm opposition to foreign meddling in Iran’s internal affairs.
Protesters emphasized their rejection of armed riots and unrest, while reaffirming their commitment to security, sovereignty, and national stability.
Funeral Processions Held Alongside Demonstrations
Several Iranian cities also witnessed funeral processions for individuals killed during the armed riots, held alongside the start of the mass demonstrations.
Iranian state television broadcast live footage from protests in multiple cities, including Zahedan, Birjand, and Kerman in southeastern Iran, showing large crowds filling public spaces.
As millions took to the streets, the message from Tehran was clear: peaceful protest is legitimate, but armed chaos and foreign interference will not be tolerated.
Official Calls for National Solidarity
On Sunday, the Iranian government and the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) called for broad participation in national solidarity rallies to affirm support for stability and reject rioting and foreign interference.
They stressed the right to peaceful protest while holding the United States and “Israel” responsible for acts of sabotage and the deaths of protesters.
Protests Continue, Security Funerals Held
In western Iran, Kermanshah province witnessed mass demonstrations denouncing armed riots, with protesters chanting slogans such as “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”
Amid heightened tensions, Iran held large public funerals for members of the Internal Security Forces killed during the unrest. Funeral ceremonies were held in Bojnurd, Gachsaran, Ilam, and other cities, honoring security personnel who lost their lives during the violence.
Police Chief Warns Against Supporting Rioters
Iranian Police Chief Ahmad Reza Radan warned against supporting rioters, stating that “any individual who sides with the rioters becomes a victim of their violence.”
Radan stressed the need to distinguish between peaceful protesters and those involved in sabotage, accusing rioters of following a deliberate plan aimed at targeting Iranian youth. He confirmed that several key instigators were arrested overnight and would face legal proceedings without leniency.
Armed Riots and Sabotage Infiltrate Protests
Iran has witnessed armed riots and acts of sabotage that infiltrated otherwise peaceful economic protests, resulting in the deaths of civilians and security personnel.
Iranian officials have repeatedly stated that armed sabotage infiltrated legitimate protests and accused US- and Israeli-linked networks of fueling the violence.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to uncover links between rioters, terrorist organizations, and separatist groups serving the interests of Mossad and the United States.
Pezeshkian: Foreign Powers Directing the Unrest
On January 11, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the riots were being directed by the United States and Israel, which he said were issuing orders aimed at undermining Iran’s security.
“The people of this country protest and voice their objections, but they do not set fire to markets or commit crimes,” Pezeshkian said, stressing that Iran distinguishes between legitimate protests and organized rioting.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing economic reforms and addressing grievances through lawful and institutional channels.
IRGC: US–Israeli Efforts Will End in Defeat
In a statement, the IRGC said acts of sedition and violence by rioters and armed groups had led to the deaths of hundreds of Iranian citizens.
The IRGC stated that crimes carried out by groups linked to the United States and the Israeli regime would end in defeat, as in previous episodes of unrest.
Calling for mass participation in Monday’s rallies, the IRGC said widespread mobilization would demonstrate national unity and deliver a decisive response to US and Israeli interference.
According to the statement, US President Donald Trump, with Western backing and in coordination with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, armed and directed mercenary groups to carry out terrorist operations and riots inside Iran.
The IRGC emphasized vigilance, particularly among Iranian youth, and said large-scale public mobilization would deliver what it described as a decisive blow to US and Israeli leaders.