Analysis: Iran’s nightly street rallies and the crisis of legitimacy

According to Ynet, Iranian state media reports that nightly rallies supporting the country's military and regional policies have reached their 200th consecutive night. The gatherings, which began on 15 September in major city squares including Tehran's Revolution Square, have been attended by senior military and security officials. Ali Abdollahi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, described the purpose of these rallies as boosting the morale of military forces and creating deterrence against enemies. Mohsen Rezaee, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, characterised them as a symbol of public defence of national independence. UKFarsi analysts suggest these reports reflect a systematic effort by propaganda apparatuses to normalise street presence and demonstrate the loyalty of the regime's base while the country faces increasing economic and social pressures. The use of military symbols and hardline slogans carries a dual message: first, to international actors to project domestic stability, and second, to Iranian society to suggest that aggressive policies enjoy public support. Danny Citrinowicz, a researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, told Ynet that while the regime's loyal support base should not be ignored, these rallies are less a reflection of national consensus and more a tool to discourage domestic opposition from taking to the streets and to manage public space. For Iran, the continuation of this approach indicates a prioritisation of military security over economic reform. This strategy is being pursued as the gap between the official government narrative and the economic realities of society continues to widen. Ultimately, these rallies represent an attempt to maintain internal cohesion among the ruling elite, but their continuation may lead to increased diplomatic costs and further international isolation, as the display of military power on the streets does not convey a peaceful message to the global community.