Iran Holds Mass Weddings for Couples Committed to 'Self-Sacrifice' Amid Ongoing Conflict
Iranian authorities conducted mass weddings in Tehran for couples who pledged readiness to sacrifice their lives in the conflict against the U.S. and Israel.
Iranian authorities organized mass public weddings in Tehran for couples who have enrolled in a state-sponsored "self-sacrifice" program, expressing their willingness to risk their lives in the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. The ceremonies, held late Monday, took place in several major squares across the capital, including over 100 couples at Imam Hossein Square, as reported by Iranian media.
These events were broadcast on state television to bolster wartime morale, amid U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated threats of new military action against Iran, following a ceasefire that paused hostilities initiated by joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28.
Participants in the "self-sacrifice" scheme have pledged to undertake actions such as forming human chains around power stations to deter attacks or maximize civilian casualties. Iranian authorities claim that millions, including prominent figures like Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and President Masoud Pezeshkian, have registered for the program.
During the ceremonies, couples arrived at Imam Hossein Square in military jeeps equipped with mounted machine guns and were married on a stage adorned with balloons and a large image of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
One bride, dressed in a white Islamic bridal gown, stated, "Certainly, the country is at war, but young people also have the right to marry."
A groom, standing beside his bride-to-be, noted the significance of the occasion coinciding with the anniversary of the marriage of Imam Ali to Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed. He said, "We received their blessings. Furthermore, we came to offer our best wishes to the people in the streets."
Since the conflict began, Iranian authorities have organized daily pro-government gatherings to demonstrate national unity and readiness. On Monday, military personnel set up tents in various Tehran squares to provide basic firearms training to civilians.