Tehran —
As night falls over Iran’s sprawling capital, and the snowy peaks of the Alborz mountains fade into the darkness, thousands of Iranians have been routinely taking to the streets for state-sponsored rallies aimed at mobilizing supporters against the United States.
Near Tajrish Square, an upscale neighborhood of Tehran, the inevitable chanting of “Death to America” blares out over a sea of Iranian flags, while street vendors hawk tea and souvenirs, like patriotic baseball caps and patches, to the enthusiastic crowd.
“I am so ready to sacrifice my life for my country and for my people,” one young woman named Tiana, wearing glasses in the colors of the Iranian flag, told me above the deafening chants.
“All the people, the whole army, all commanders that we have, they’re ready to sacrifice their lives too, and ready to fight with their whole heart and soul,” she added, dismissing US President Donald Trump’s latest social media threat to resume military action.
