According to Al Jazeera, approximately 313,000 volunteers gathered in central Tehran for an event aimed at highlighting "self-sacrifice for Iran," where the Iranian government showcased weapons such as drones and anti-aircraft batteries. Iranian President Pezeshkian stated that the rally was intended to send a message of unity to the United States and Israel, demonstrating Iran's readiness for any crisis. The gathering comes as Iran's economy struggles under a U.S. naval blockade and new sanctions. On Thursday, the U.S. also took action against digital currency networks suspected of providing sanctioned Iranian entities with access to the international financial system.