Despite escalating US and Israeli airstrikes on the seventh day of war with Iran, thousands of people gathered in central Tehran on Friday, March 6, 2026, for the weekly congregational prayer. Iranian state media broadcast images showing dense crowds of men and women dressed in black—some holding Iranian flags—flocking to the area around the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque.
A Solemn First Friday Prayer After Leader’s Death
This was the first Friday prayer held in Iran since the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a bombing on Saturday—the opening day of the US-Israel military campaign. In one video, a man speaking over loudspeakers paid tribute to the late leader, calling him “the embodiment of piety and protection.” Devotees were seen weeping while kneeling on prayer rugs.
In the background, verses from the Quran were recited over public address systems. The prayer took place under strict police supervision.
Nationwide Demonstrations of Unity
Similar scenes were reported across other Iranian cities—including Ilam and Borujerd in the west, and Zahedan in the southeast—where large numbers of worshippers carried Iranian flags.
War Escalates With Drone and Missile Exchanges
The conflict erupted on Saturday following coordinated US-Israeli strikes against Iranian military targets. Iran retaliated with drones and missiles targeting Israel and US bases in Gulf countries.
Casualty Reports Remain Unverified
Iran’s Health Ministry reported 926 deaths from the strikes, which hit military sites, residential areas, and infrastructure. However, the French news agency AFP said it could not independently verify this figure.
According to Israeli emergency services, at least 10 people have been killed in Iran’s attacks inside Israel. The US military confirmed the deaths of six American service members since the conflict began.