Israel strikes Tehran during annual Quds Day rallies

2026-03-13 - 11:03

Israeli forces launched a military strike on Tehran on Friday, targeting the Iranian capital while citizens participated in the annual Quds Day demonstrations. Multiple explosions were heard in the vicinity of Valiasr Square, a major thoroughfare where large crowds had gathered for the pro-Palestinian rallies, with witnesses reporting clouds of smoke rising from the area shortly after the blasts. Attack During Commemoration The assault came after the Israeli military issued urgent calls for residents in several districts of Tehran and the neighboring province of Qazvin to evacuate their homes ahead of the planned bombardment. The timing of the strikes—coinciding with Quds Day, an annual event symbolizing solidarity with the Palestinian cause—appeared designed to maximize political impact. Escalating Conflict Friday's bombardment represents the latest chapter in a rapidly deteriorating regional situation. Tensions have spiraled since late February, when joint US-Israeli military action against Iranian targets reportedly claimed nearly 1,300 lives and left more than 10,000 wounded, according to figures released by Iranian authorities. Tehran has since responded with barrages of drones and missiles directed at Israel, as well as at Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states that host American military installations. The Quds Day marches, initiated by the late Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini, have historically drawn millions of demonstrators across Iran and other Muslim-major nations expressing opposition to Israeli occupation and support for Palestinian rights. This year's rallies were overshadowed by the unmistakable sound of explosions echoing through the capital's streets.