Revolutionary Guard Displays Power in Tehran Streets

Basij Forces in military display in Tehran, January 10, 2024 (AP)

Thousands of Iranian Revolutionary Guard members participated in the “Walkers to Jerusalem” march in Tehran on Friday, displaying military vehicles and heavy weapons to show their readiness to face threats against Iran.
The march, which began in the morning, included Basij forces, a branch of the Revolutionary Guard.
In his speech, Gen. Mohammad Reza Naghdi, a senior Guard official, said the US is “responsible for all the troubles of the Muslim world.”
He added, “If we destroy the Zionist regime and remove US bases from the region, one of our main problems will be solved,” referring to Israel, Iran’s main enemy.
Men in military uniforms marched the streets in Tehran, while others rode motorcycles and vehicles, some carrying rocket launchers.
The crowds waved flags of Iran, Palestine, and Hezbollah, the Lebanese group backed by Tehran.
Participants also held images of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and figures from the “Axis of Resistance,” a network of armed groups supported by Iran.
Iranian-made missiles, drones, and other military gear were displayed on Tehran’s streets.
Brig. Gen. Hasan Hassanzadeh, head of the Revolutionary Guard in Tehran, told state TV that the march aimed to show support for Gaza and Palestine.
“We also want to show that Basij forces are ready to face any threat from the enemies of the Iranian revolution,” he added.
Iran has not recognized Israel and has supported the Palestinian cause since the 1979 revolution.