“Janfada” Drill: Armed Volunteers, Basij Mobilization and the Unusual Appearance of Female Motorcyclists in Tehran

The September 18 Tehran mobilization

The centerpiece of the latest campaign took place in Tehran on Friday, September 18, 2026.

The principal route extended from Imam Hossein Square toward Enqelab Square, passing through some of the capital’s major central arteries.

Iranian authorities promoted the event as a 313,000-person exercise.

Iranian media also reported that approximately 500,000 people had registered in Tehran for participation, although that registration figure should not be confused with the number actually present at the parade.

Tasnim described the Tehran event as a 313,000-person parade involving Basij combat battalions, Janfada groups and other sections of society.

The number 313 has symbolic significance in Islamic history. Iranian reporting connected the figure to the traditional account of the Battle of Badr, in which approximately 313 followers of the Prophet Muhammad are traditionally associated with the early Muslim community’s victory.

The use of 313 therefore gives the event a religious and symbolic dimension in addition to its military purpose.

September 18, 2026 | 5:45 pm