Iran hosts mass weddings for couples prepared for sacrifice

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Iranian officials in Tehran organized large-scale public weddings for couples who signed up for a government-backed initiative expressing their willingness to sacrifice themselves in the ongoing conflict against the United States and Israel.

The events took place late Monday night, involving hundreds of couples in key areas of the city, including over 100 couples at Imam Hossein Square in central Tehran, reports from Iranian media indicated.

These ceremonies were broadcast live on state television to bolster domestic spirits during wartime, amid escalating tensions with the U.S., with President Donald Trump repeatedly warning of potential military actions. The ceasefire that paused hostilities since February 28 remained fragile.

Participants had reportedly signed up for the so-called “self-sacrifice” program — or janfada in Persian — where individuals pledged to risk their lives for the war effort, such as forming human chains outside critical infrastructure like power plants.

Iranian authorities claim tens of millions have volunteered, including prominent figures like Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The wedding processions saw couples arriving in military-style jeeps equipped with mounted machine guns, and wedding ceremonies took place on stages decorated with balloons and large images of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, overseen by clerics.

Some young women, dressed in traditional Islamic bridal attire, expressed that despite the war situation, they valued their right to marry. One woman, whose name was not disclosed, spoke alongside her groom, emphasizing the significance of the occasion as an anniversary of the marriage of Hazrat Ali (RA) and Hazrat Fatima, daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Participants shared sentiments of happiness and hope, stating they received blessings and came to extend well-wishes to those on the streets. In total, about 110 couples took part in the Imam Hossein Square event alone, watched eagerly by crowds of supporters holding roses.