ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD

JUNE 8, 2026 15:05

Updated: JUNE 8, 2026 16:51

Groups assembled across Iran to mark the Islamic regime's launch of ballistic missiles at Israel, ending a stretch of relative quiet after the April lull in fighting, based on clips issued by the regime itself.

Events took place in Tehran and Kermanshah, where participants waved the regime flag together with Hezbollah symbols connected to the IRGC.

The regime struck Israel late Sunday and early Monday, describing the barrage as payback for Israeli actions in Lebanon. Israel had targeted Hezbollah sites after the group broke a ceasefire with attacks tied to the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Tabnak, a state-linked outlet, posted clips showing drivers moving through streets, sounding horns and chanting Allahu Akhbar.

In footage aired by NBC News, a resident stated the events reflected pride in Iran's missile strength persisting after months of conflict with Israel and Washington, adding that decision-making power remains with officials.

Although the regime portrays broad backing for the strikes, the fighting has damaged Iran's weak economy and disrupted daily life, with analysts informing The Jerusalem Post that the videos do not indicate genuine public endorsement.

These images require careful review before any political reading. State broadcasts frame them as national joy, yet they represent organized events by loyal Basij members and committed supporters whose stake lies in regime continuity, noted Roger Macmillan, a security analyst focused on the Islamic Republic. They do not reflect wider Iranian views and treating them as such would be a mistake.

Macmillan added that years of economic ruin, crackdowns on opposition, and war costs have left the population strained. The regime understands its shaky standing at home, so these events function as staged displays of unity during escalation rather than genuine public feeling.

A deadly intersection of soaring prices, protests, and inflation

Arman Khaleghi, head of Iran's Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines, told Qatar's Al Jazeera that the US naval blockade combined with other pressures pushed inflation to levels unseen since the Second World War.

Khaleghi described a mix of factors including removal of subsidized exchange rates that drove up food costs, early-year protests that hurt markets and security, plus the US-Israeli conflict with its inflationary fallout.

Further strains came from yearly wage and energy price hikes at the Persian new year start, along with the blockade that slowed trade flows.

Yearly inflation hit a record 77.2 percent from April 21 to May 20, with an $8.5 monthly rise and 113 percent point-to-point goods inflation, per Central Bank of Iran data.

Khaleghi noted that war fears prompted hoarding of food and household items, boosting demand even without actual shortages and pushing prices higher.

Shortages contradict official report on economy

Despite claims of adequate supplies, the central bank recorded a 32 percent drop in merchandise imports for the fiscal year ending March 21. Media outlets have highlighted medicine shortages and a deepening cost-of-living strain since fighting began.

Iran's economic troubles could shrink the regime's support base and reduce future celebrations, Macmillan suggested.

When salary payments stop, willingness to back the fight may fade. Hardship is growing, and once enforcers cannot afford food they may begin to doubt their leaders and the IRGC, he said.