Al-Quds Day Rally for Palestinians in Tehran Hit by Explosions Amid US-Israel Strikes, 1 Killed and Several Injured
At least one person was killed and several others were injured on Friday after explosions struck near a massive Al-Quds Day rally in the Iranian capital. The incident occurred as thousands of demonstrators gathered in Tehran to voice solidarity with Palestinians, amid an ongoing 14-day military campaign led by the United States and Israel against Iran.
Tehra, March 13: At least one person was killed and several others were injured on Friday after explosions struck near a massive Al-Quds Day rally in the Iranian capital. The incident occurred as thousands of demonstrators gathered in Tehran to voice solidarity with Palestinians, amid an ongoing 14-day military campaign led by the United States and Israel against Iran.
According to Iranian state media outlet Press TV, the fatality was a woman struck by shrapnel following what officials described as a U.S.-Israeli airstrike. A large explosion reportedly rocked Ferdowsi Square during the midday heat, causing panic among the crowds. While the exact cause of every blast remains under investigation, the strikes followed warnings from Israel for civilians to clear specific areas in the city. Mojtaba Khamenei Injured and Forced Into Hiding as US Intensifies Strikes on Iran: Pentagon.
The Al-Quds Day event, an annual demonstration held on the last Friday of Ramadan to support the Palestinian cause, proceeded despite the aerial bombardment. High-ranking officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, were seen marching alongside protesters. Larijani addressed the crowds, characterizing the strikes as an act of desperation by Israel.
The humanitarian toll of the two-week conflict continues to mount. Iran's Health Ministry reported on Friday that at least 1,444 people have been killed and over 18,500 injured since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28. The current escalation marks the 14th day of a conflict that has seen unprecedented levels of strikes on Iranian soil compared to previous years.
In addition to the capital, rallies were held in various cities across Iran. Demonstrators carried Iranian flags and portraits of Palestinian fighters, chanting slogans against the U.S. and Israel. Witnesses described a "twofold message" at the rallies: a traditional expression of solidarity with Jerusalem and a direct display of defiance against the ongoing attacks targeting Iranian infrastructure and cities. Thousands Protest in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam, Ladakh on ‘Youm-E-Quds’, Expressing Solidarity With Palestinians and Iranians (Watch Videos).
As the war enters its third week, the geopolitical fallout is spreading. Similar strikes and drone activity have been reported in neighboring Lebanon and Oman, while global energy markets remain volatile following declarations of force majeure on oil and gas shipments from several Gulf nations.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 13, 2026 08:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).