{
  "id": 8635513,
  "title": "Thousands of IRGC, Basij volunteers march through Tehran in show of defiance against US, Israel",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/thousands-of-irgc-basij-volunteers-march-through-tehran-in-show-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-20T07:26:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-909151"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a show of defiance against the US and Israel, thousands of Iranian volunteers participated in a massive rally in Tehran on Friday. The regime organized the event, which was part of their \"Janfada Iran\" initiative, meaning \"those who sacrifice their lives for Iran.\" Participants marched through the capital in combat uniforms, carrying flags, and chanting \"Death to America\" and \"Death to Israel.\" The event aimed to display Iran's military capabilities and bolster support for the regime amid a worsening economic situation and ongoing war. Tehran's IRGC commander reported that over 600,000 people had registered for the program, anticipating more than 1 million participants in the training. Basij head Hossein Taeb stated that the new recruits would be a \"nightmare\" for Iran's enemies. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other officials attended the parade, while state media displayed military equipment such as air defense systems and drones. Iran also claimed responsibility for an attack on an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global oil and natural gas shipments.",
  "summary": "Participants said they were prepared to take up arms and defend the country after months of war and a worsening economic situation in Iran, the Associated Press reported.",
  "key_points": [
    "Thousands of IRGC volunteers marched in Tehran to defy US and Israel.",
    "Event part of Janfada Iran initiative, aiming to showcase military strength.",
    "Over 600,000 registered, with Basij head confident of 1 million participants."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}