Tehran saw two very different scenes unfold at the same time on Friday, as in one part of the city, many women raced a marathon without a headscarf, and in another part, a regime military display took place with thousands of women in hijab showing their loyalty with machine guns in their hands. The state-organised rally brought together 300,000 supporters of the Islamic Republic. The "Jan-Fada" (Self-Sacrificers) marched from Imam Hossein Square toward central Tehran.
Among these, the image of a woman in a full chador with a baby wrapped in a keffiyeh perched behind a machine gun stood out as particularly striking. On the other hand, female runners joined a sporting event and competed in a track-and-field race. During the event, women whose clothing, according to published images, did not comply with Iran’s mandatory hijab rules were featured.
The Tehran 10-kilometre marathon was held at Velayat Park, with men and women competing in separate divisions. According to the official schedule, the women’s race started at 5:30 AM, followed by the men’s at 7:00 AM. Published photos showed some female participants running without headscarves and wearing standard athletic gear, including long-sleeve tops and track pants.
This event proceeded despite the cancellation of the "Mahan Run" in the city of Kerman just days earlier, which had been scheduled for 5km, 10km, and 21km distances. Kerman's seminary had demanded the cancellation, citing co-ed participation and concerns over "religious values", ultimately leading authorities to withhold a permit. Similarly, in December 2025, images of unveiled women running in a Kish Island marathon sparked widespread backlash from conservative figures and led to legal actions against the organisers.
Meanwhile, the Tehran Prosecutor's Office has announced the opening of a judicial case against the organisers of the Tehran Marathon over what it described as a "failure to observe legal and religious standards," HRANA (Human Rights Activists News Agency) reported. A short distance away, in a markedly different atmosphere, central Tehran hosted the "Jan-Fada-ye Iran" (Iran's Self-Sacrificers) drill. The event featured Basij forces, campaign volunteers, and several senior military and political figures, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
State media claimed an attendance of 313,000 people. The procession moved from Imam Hossein Square toward the city centre, showcasing military hardware, drones, and organised Basij units. "Jan-Fada-ye Iran" is a campaign launched following the outbreak of armed conflict.
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