Senior Iranian officials, including the President, participated in a densely attended public rally in Tehran on Friday to mark International Quds Day. The event proceeded despite recent security incidents in the capital.
Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, commented on the recent attacks against Tehran, stating they "stem from desperation." He further asserted that former U.S. President Donald Trump "fails to understand that the Iranian people are a courageous, strong, and determined nation; the greater the pressure, the stronger the nation's resolve becomes."
State television broadcast footage of President Masoud Pezeshkian greeting demonstrators and taking photographs with them on the rainy streets of Tehran during the annual Quds Day march, which expresses support for the Palestinian cause.
The rally also featured a prominent display of high-ranking judicial and security officials. Attendees included Head of the Judiciary Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i, National Police Chief Ahmad-Reza Radan, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a clear demonstration of defiance.
Substantial explosions shook central Tehran on Friday in an area near the rally location. According to official media reports, the blasts resulted in the martyrdom of at least one woman.
During a speech by Sheikh Mohseni-Eje'i broadcast on state television, one of the explosions was audible. In response, he stated, "Our people are not afraid of bombardment, and we will continue on this path."
Separately, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held the United States and Israel responsible for the global increase in energy prices, alleging that they "created this catastrophe for the region and must be held accountable for it."