Millions Rally Worldwide for al-Quds Day as Strikes Hit Tehran Demonstrations
Annual solidarity marches draw massive crowds amid escalating regional conflict; London march banned for first time in 40 years
TEHRAN — March 13, 2026 — Millions of people across Iran and dozens of countries worldwide took to the streets on Friday for annual al-Quds Day rallies, as explosions rocked the Iranian capital during demonstrations and authorities reported at least one person killed in US and Israeli airstrikes near gathering sites .
The marches, held on the final Friday of Ramadan, unfolded against the backdrop of an escalating regional conflict now in its 14th day, following joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran that began February 28. Iranian officials report at least 1,444 people have been killed and more than 18,500 injured in the strikes, which included the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei .
Global markets steady after oil price plunge as Middle East conflict fuels volatility.
In Tehran, demonstrators converged on Enghelab Square from 10 different assembly points, waving Iranian and Palestinian flags while carrying portraits of both the late Supreme Leader and his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei . State media described the turnout as “million-strong,” with rallies reported in more than 900 cities and towns across the country .
Strikes Hit During Gatherings
According to Iran’s official IRNA news agency, central areas of Tehran near the rally route came under US and Israeli airstrikes in the early minutes of the gathering, killing at least one person . A large explosion was reported in Ferdowsi Square, which was filled with demonstrators, though the cause was not immediately confirmed .
The Israeli military had earlier issued warnings on its Farsi-language X account, advising people to clear the area because it planned to “conduct operations” there later in the day. It remained unclear how demonstrators could access the message, as internet services were broadly disrupted across Iran .
Despite the explosions, footage from the square showed crowds continuing to chant “God is the greatest” as smoke rose in the distance . Security official Ali Larijani, who participated in the demonstrations, told Iranian media that the suspected Israeli attack was a “sign of its desperation” .
Senior Leadership Participates
Several high-ranking Iranian officials joined the rallies in Tehran, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi .
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Araghchi told reporters: “The Iranian people, through their million-strong presence in the streets, both in Tehran and other cities, have shown their firm will and resolve in supporting the Islamic Republic, Quds, Palestine, and the national ideals” .
“This extensive presence indicates the strong resolve and determination of Iranians in supporting the Islamic Republic and the issue of Quds,” Araghchi added. “We will continue with this same strength, and the enemies will be forced to acknowledge the power of the Iranian people” .
President Pezeshkian had urged citizens to participate widely in the rallies, emphasising unity against external pressures .
Rally Resolution Condemns US and Israel
Participants issued a formal resolution at the conclusion of the Tehran rally, condemning what they termed the “heinous crimes of the malicious United States and the vile Zionist regime” and expressing full support for Iran’s armed forces .
The resolution stated: “We, the loyal people of Islamic Iran, declare in this grand and historic rally that we remain firm in our covenant with the lofty ideals of the late Imam Khomeini and the martyred Imam Khamenei. With hearts full of love and with unwavering determination, we renew our allegiance to the third leader of the revolution — the wise and devout Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei” .
Russia Accuses Ukraine of ‘Reckless’ Drone Strikes on TurkStream Gas Pipeline Supplying Europe UNESCO report reveals 272 million children out of school worldwide as education targets slip.
The document specifically condemned the killing of civilians, stating that “the martyrdom of civilians — including the young children martyred in Minab — and attacks on residential areas, medical centers, relief institutions, stadiums, schools, and hospitals are clear acts of war crimes and blatant violations of all humanitarian laws” .
The resolution called for these crimes to “be met with decisive reactions from international institutions” and urged Iran’s defenders to “avenge the pure blood of our fellow citizens with strength and determination against the cowardly enemy” .
Global Rallies Across Multiple Continents
Beyond Iran, al-Quds Day demonstrations took place in numerous countries across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and North America .
Malaysia: In Kuala Lumpur, approximately 380 participants gathered for a peaceful rally that proceeded without incident, according to Wangsa Maju district police chief ACP Mohamad Lazim Ismail . Participants marched from Menara Tabung Haji on Jalan Tun Razak after Friday prayers to the US Embassy under police escort, carrying Palestinian and Iranian flags as well as banners condemning Israel and the United States .
India: Thousands gathered in Kashmir and in Leh, Ladakh, for large protest marches expressing solidarity with Palestine and Iran . A large congregation assembled at Markazi Imambara Budgam before marching to Main Chowk. In Leh, demonstrators specifically protested the killing of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei .
In Lucknow, a protest at Bara Imambara saw Shia cleric Kalbe Jawad Naqvi criticise the United States and call for stronger international action. “Iran is totally defenceless; America is dropping bombs on it and attacking the public. This is a matter of great shame that our country is not condemning it,” Naqvi said .
Pakistan: In Karachi, a rally organised by Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen drew participants including women, children, and senior citizens, who carried banners and flags in support of Palestine . A separate candlelight ceremony and photo exhibition was held at the Press Club in memory of the martyrs of Palestine .
Allama Baqir Abbas Zaidi, speaking at the event, called upon scholars delivering Friday sermons to show support for oppressed Palestinians and strongly condemned Israel, describing it as the “enemy of humanity” .
Yemen, Indonesia, Kashmir: Thousands marched in Yemen, Indonesia, and Indian Kashmir, where protesters burned mock coffins bearing images of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while shouting slogans against the United States and Israel .
London March Banned Amid Security Concerns
For the first time in 40 years, the United Kingdom banned London’s al-Quds Day march, citing risks of public disorder related to the “volatile situation in the Middle East” and potential confrontations between opposing groups . This marked the first protest ban in Britain since 2012, when authorities prohibited marches by the far-right English Defence League .
Toronto Police Increase Presence
In Toronto, police announced they would increase their presence in the area of a planned al-Quds Day rally on Saturday, warning that violence and obstruction would not be tolerated . Emergency management Superintendent Craig Young said police initially anticipated 3,000 attendees outside the US consulate, but the number could be higher given recent geopolitical tensions .
The rally comes amid heightened unease in the city following shots fired at three synagogues and the US consulate in the past two weeks . Police said they would monitor the demonstration for incidents involving hate speech, hate-motivated crimes, or the display of symbols associated with groups designated by the federal government as terrorist organisations .
“We are asking everyone who plans to attend, whether they are participating in the event or protesting it, to do so lawfully and respectfully,” Young said .
Origin and Significance of al-Quds Day
Al-Quds Day — “al-Quds” being the Arabic name for Jerusalem — was established by Iran’s first supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1979, shortly after the Iranian Revolution . The annual event, observed on the final Friday of Ramadan, was designed to express solidarity with Palestinians and opposition to Israeli control of East Jerusalem .
Over nearly five decades, the day has become a symbol of resistance and a fixture on the calendars of pro-Palestinian movements worldwide, with demonstrations held annually across West Asia, North Africa, Europe, and North America .
Regional Context
This year’s observance coincided with the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which began February 28. According to Iran’s Health Ministry, 18,551 people have been injured in the attacks .
The conflict has drawn in multiple actors across the region. Iran has launched retaliatory strikes targeting US assets and has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, disrupting global energy supplies . US Central Command confirmed Friday that four of six crew members of an American KC-135 refuelling plane that went down in Iraq had been found dead .
US President Donald Trump posted on social media early Friday: “They’ve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honor it is to do so!” .
Current Situation
As of Friday evening, demonstrations continued in multiple time zones across the world. Iranian state media maintained that the massive turnout demonstrated the nation’s resolve despite ongoing attacks .
The rallies proceeded under heightened security measures globally, with authorities in several countries increasing police presence and monitoring for potential confrontations between opposing groups .
For participants, the day served both as an annual expression of solidarity with Palestinians and, in the current context, as a platform to voice opposition to the ongoing military campaign against Iran .
SOURCES / INPUTS
Al Jazeera: Thousands march worldwide in solidarity with Palestine, Iran on al-Quds Day
CBC: Toronto police to increase presence in area of Al-Quds Day rally on Saturday
Modern World Order Explained: Power, Alliances & Global Systems.
Bolivia Captures Most-Wanted Drug Kingpin Sebastián Marset in Major Raid, Transfers Him to US, Deadly Escalation: Seven Pakistani Police Killed in IED Blast, Afghanistan Accuses Islamabad of Civilian Deaths in Airstrikes.
