On May 7–8, 2026, thousands of Iranians gathered in Enghelab Square in Tehran and in cities across the country showed support for the Iranian Armed Forces after missile and drone clashes with US Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz, state media reported.
The rallies included car convoys in Lar, Fars province, and chants encouraging the military: “Hit them! You’ll hit them well!” At the same time, air defences were activated over western Tehran and Qeshm Island after reports of explosions and drone interceptions.
The events also honoured the IRIS Dena frigate, sunk by a US submarine on March 4, 2026, during a naval exercise in the Indian Ocean. The attack killed 84 sailors. Mass funerals in Tehran and Bandar Abbas earlier in March boosted national pride and anti-US feelings.
State media, like Press TV, described the rallies as proof that “Iran is a superpower and does not give in to force.” This sent a warning to Washington and strengthened the negotiating position of officials such as Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Islamabad.
Iranian patriots throng Tehran's Enghelab Sq. to show solidarity with the Iranian Armed Forces in face of the US enemy. pic.twitter.com/nJdB9NxaFD
— Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) May 7, 2026President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed a meeting with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, showing coordination inside the government despite the leader’s low public profile. Analysts say the rallies aim to show unity to the outside world and manage hardliners’ expectations during ongoing ceasefire talks.
