Thousands of members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard took to the streets of Tehran on Friday in a massive display of military might during the “Walkers to Jerusalem” march. The event, which saw the participation of Basij forces—a volunteer militia affiliated with the Guard—featured military vehicles, heavy weapons, and Iranian-made missiles and drones, underscoring tehran’s readiness to confront perceived threats.
The march began in the morning, with participants marching through the capital’s streets. Some carried rocket launchers, while others rode motorcycles and vehicles, all under the watchful eyes of crowds waving the flags of Iran, Palestine, and the Lebanese Hezbollah, a group backed by Tehran. Images of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and figures from the “Axis of Resistance”—a coalition of iran-supported factions—were also prominently displayed.
General Mohammad Reza Naghdi, a senior official in the Revolutionary Guard, delivered a fiery speech during the parade. He accused the United States of being “responsible for all the misfortunes of the Islamic world,” as reported by Agence France-Presse. Naghdi went further, stating, “If we are able to destroy the Zionist regime and withdraw American bases from the region, one of our major problems will be solved,” directly referencing Israel, Iran’s long-standing adversary.
General Hassan hassanzadeh, commander of the Revolutionary Guards in Tehran, emphasized the march’s objectives in a televised statement. “One of the goals is to support the people of Gaza and Palestine,” he saeid, adding, “We also seek to show that the Basij forces are ready to confront any threat from the enemies of the Islamic Revolution.”
Iran’s stance on Israel has been unwavering since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The country does not recognize the State of Israel and has consistently supported the Palestinian cause as a cornerstone of it’s foreign policy. This march, with its overt displays of military strength and anti-Israel rhetoric, reinforces Tehran’s commitment to this position.
key Highlights of the “Walkers to Jerusalem” March
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Participants | Thousands of Revolutionary Guard members and Basij forces |
| Military Displays | Heavy weapons, Iranian-made missiles, drones, and military vehicles |
| Flags and Symbols | Flags of Iran, Palestine, and Hezbollah; images of Khamenei and Axis figures|
| Key Statements | Naghdi: “Destroy the Zionist regime”; Hassanzadeh: “Support Gaza and Palestine” |
| Objective | demonstrate readiness to confront threats and support Palestinian cause |
The “Walkers to Jerusalem” march is a stark reminder of Iran’s military capabilities and its ideological opposition to Israel and the United States. As tensions in the region continue to simmer, such displays serve as both a warning and a rallying cry for Tehran’s allies and adversaries alike.
for more insights into Iran’s military strategies and regional influence,explore our analysis of the Revolutionary Guard’s expanding role in Iran’s oil exports and its broader geopolitical maneuvers.
Analyzing Iran’s “Walkers to Jerusalem” March and Its Geopolitical Implications
In a recent display of military strength, thousands of Iranian Revolutionary Guard members and Basij forces marched through Tehran during the “Walkers to Jerusalem” event. The parade showcased heavy weapons, Iranian-made missiles, and drones, alongside strong anti-Israel rhetoric. To unpack the meaning of this event, Senior Editor of World-Today-News, Sarah Mitchell, sat down with Dr. Amir Hosseini, a leading expert on Middle Eastern geopolitics and Iran’s military strategies.
The significance of the “Walkers to Jerusalem” March
Sarah mitchell: Dr. Hosseini, thank you for joining us. The “Walkers to Jerusalem” march was a massive event. What do you think Tehran aimed to achieve with this display?
Dr. Amir Hosseini: Thank you, Sarah. This march was a multifaceted event. on one hand, it was a show of military readiness, with the Revolutionary Guard and Basij forces displaying their capabilities.On the other hand, it was a political statement. By showcasing iranian-made missiles and drones, Tehran is signaling its self-sufficiency in defense technology and its ability to project power regionally. The anti-Israel rhetoric, especially General Naghdi’s comments about destroying the “Zionist regime,” reinforces Iran’s ideological stance and its support for the Palestinian cause.
The Role of the Basij forces and Revolutionary Guard
Sarah Mitchell: The Basij forces played a prominent role in the march. How do they fit into Iran’s broader military and political strategy?
Dr.Amir Hosseini: The Basij is a volunteer militia that operates under the Revolutionary Guard. They serve as both a military and ideological force. in events like this, they act as a symbol of grassroots support for the regime. Their participation in the march underscores the Guard’s ability to mobilize large numbers of people, which is crucial for maintaining domestic stability and projecting strength abroad.The Basij also plays a key role in Iran’s “soft power” strategy, particularly in supporting groups like Hezbollah and other factions in the “Axis of Resistance.”
Iran’s Anti-Israel Rhetoric and Regional Influence
Sarah Mitchell: General Naghdi’s speech was particularly fiery, directly targeting Israel. How does this rhetoric align with Iran’s broader foreign policy goals?
Dr. Amir Hosseini: Iran’s opposition to Israel has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy as the 1979 Revolution. By framing israel as a primary adversary,Tehran positions itself as a leader of the Islamic world and a defender of Palestinian rights. This rhetoric resonates with its allies in the region, such as Hezbollah and Hamas, and helps Iran maintain its influence in places like Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. Though, it also exacerbates tensions with Israel and the United States, which view Iran’s actions as destabilizing.
The Display of Military Hardware: A Message to Adversaries?
sarah Mitchell: the march featured Iranian-made missiles and drones. What message is Tehran sending by showcasing these weapons?
Dr. Amir Hosseini: The display of military hardware is both a deterrent and a statement of capability. Iran’s missile and drone programs have advanced considerably in recent years, and by showcasing them, Tehran is signaling to adversaries like Israel and the U.S. that it has the means to defend itself and retaliate if necessary. It’s also a message to regional allies that Iran is a reliable partner capable of providing military support. This is particularly vital as tensions in the region remain high.
Implications for Regional Stability
Sarah Mitchell: What are the broader implications of this march for regional stability, especially given the ongoing tensions in the Middle East?
Dr.amir Hosseini: Events like this contribute to the already volatile surroundings in the Middle East. While they rally domestic support and strengthen iran’s alliances, they also provoke reactions from adversaries. Israel, for instance, is likely to view this as a direct threat, potentially leading to further military posturing or even conflict. The U.S. and its allies may also respond by increasing sanctions or military presence in the region. Ultimately, such displays deepen the divide between Iran and its rivals, making diplomatic solutions more challenging.
Looking Ahead: iran’s Geopolitical Strategy
Sarah Mitchell: Dr. Hosseini, what do you think this event tells us about Iran’s geopolitical strategy moving forward?
Dr. Amir Hosseini: The “Walkers to jerusalem” march is a clear indication that Iran is doubling down on its current strategy of military deterrence and ideological opposition to Israel and the U.S. moving forward, we can expect Tehran to continue strengthening its military capabilities and supporting its regional allies. However, this approach also carries risks, as it may lead to further isolation and conflict. The key question is whether Iran can balance its ambitions with the need for regional stability and economic survival, especially given the challenges posed by sanctions and internal pressures.
