By Mohamadreza Karimian
Tehran, Sep 25 (EFE).- Thousands of motorcyclists paraded through the main streets of Tehran on Friday in support of the Islamic Republic, amid its ongoing war with the United States, which shows no immediate signs of ending.
“Death to the traitors of the homeland” and “At your orders, Khamenei” were among the slogans chanted by the motorcyclists, who included police officers, soldiers, and families of civilians accompanied by their children.
The participants were taking part in the “Parade of 40,000 Motorcyclists,” organized as part of the state-backed “Janfada” (Sacrifice for Iran) movement, an initiative aimed at recruiting civilians for the defense of the country.
According to the government, more than 30 million people have registered with the movement, which is now moving to a new stage with military training planned in the coming days.
A massive parade was held last Friday, featuring thousands of volunteers carrying AK-47 rifles and bazookas and traveling in jeeps equipped with anti-aircraft machine guns.
Friday’s motorcycle parade brought together volunteers and members of various government organizations, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Basij, an Islamic militia subordinate to the Revolutionary Guard.
Waving Iranian flags and carrying images of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and his assassinated father, Ali Khamenei, many participants wore face coverings and carried weapons. Some rode large motorcycles without license plates.
The motorcyclists honked their horns and revved their engines as they gathered at Imam Hussein Square before riding through some of the capital’s main streets, including Engelab Street, toward Azadi Square. From there, they continued circling the area before returning to the starting point.
Weapons training in public squares
The military training of volunteers for the Janfada movement began Wednesday with around 500,000 participants, according to organizers, who said they had signed up for the activities. The movement as a whole has around 30 million members nationwide.
At Imam Hussein Square, the site has been transformed into a military training ground resembling a barracks, surrounded by walls and barbed wire.
Tires have been placed on the ground for motorcycle and military-vehicle exercises, while lines painted on the pavement organize participants into rows during military instruction.
“I have already received military training and I am willing to give my life for my country,” Seyed Ali, a 40-year-old merchant who took part in the parade on his motorcycle, told EFE.
He said he participates in all programs organized by the movement and would not hesitate to go to the front line.
“I am here to tell the president of the United States, Donald Trump, that we will slap him, and that participating in a parade is the least we can do. We are willing to do much more,” said Saeid, 36, an employee of the Ministry of Oil.
The parade comes almost seven months after the war began on Feb. 28, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iranian territory. Following an intense phase of clashes, the conflict has continued with sporadic attacks and threats between the sides.
Despite an exchange of messages and conditions aimed at ending the conflict, as well as mediation efforts by countries including Pakistan and Qatar, Washington has sought to pressure the Islamic Republic through intensified sanctions and an air and naval blockade.
Tehran, meanwhile, has closed the Strait of Hormuz and responded with occasional attacks on ships attempting to cross it.
The parade coincides with the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Wednesday that Iran would not surrender to US threats, while maintaining that Tehran remained open to dialogue to end the conflict. EFE
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