Iranian authorities staged large-scale public wedding ceremonies in Tehran for hundreds of couples who signed up for a state-backed campaign pledging readiness to sacrifice their lives in the country’s ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.
The ceremonies, held across several major squares in the Iranian capital late Monday, were part of the government’s “Janfada” or “self-sacrifice” initiative, according to Iranian state media. More than 100 couples reportedly participated in a central event at Imam Hossein Square, where celebrations were broadcast live on state television to promote national unity and wartime morale.
The campaign comes amid heightened tensions following months of conflict that began on February 28 and a fragile ceasefire that has yet to fully stabilize the region. U.S. President Donald Trump has continued to warn of possible new military action against Iran despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Participants in the Janfada movement reportedly pledged to support the war effort through acts described by authorities as national sacrifice, including forming human chains around critical infrastructure such as power stations.
Iranian officials claim that millions of citizens have joined the initiative, including prominent political figures such as Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Images from the ceremonies showed couples arriving in military jeeps equipped with mounted machine guns before taking part in marriage rites led by clerics on decorated stages surrounded by balloons and patriotic displays. A large portrait of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei was prominently displayed during the event. Khamenei has remained largely absent from public appearances since assuming leadership following the death of his father and predecessor, Ali Khamenei, during the early stages of the war.
Some newlyweds described the ceremonies as both patriotic and spiritual. One bride told Iranian media that although the country is at war, young people still deserve the opportunity to marry and celebrate life. Another participant said the event coincided with the anniversary of the marriage of Imam Ali and Fatima, revered figures in Shia Islam, making the occasion especially meaningful.
The Iranian government has organized frequent pro-government rallies and public events since the conflict began, seeking to demonstrate widespread public support and mobilization during the ongoing crisis.