WANA (Apr 04) – As the U.S.–Israel coalition war against Iran enters its sixth week, more than 10 million people have joined the grassroots campaign “Janfada for Iran” in less than a week. The term “Janfada” literally means “devoted to sacrifice,” reflecting the campaign’s focus on voluntary participation in defending the country against external threats. This rapid mobilisation signals a rare wave of mass social engagement, particularly in light of concerns about a potential ground invasion.

 

According to official data, over 10.9 million individuals have registered on the platform Janfadaa.ir to participate in what is described as “direct defense,” with organizers saying the number continues to rise “moment by moment.”

 

The campaign “Janfada,” was launched alongside U.S. and Israeli threats targeting Iran’s coasts, islands, and borders, aiming both to counter these risks and to demonstrate public readiness to defend the country.

 

It has emerged amid one of the most intense regional conflicts in recent years. The war began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched large-scale strikes against Iran, targeting both military and civilian infrastructure.

 

The attacks resulted in the deaths of senior officials and civilians, as well as the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes against targets in Israel and U.S. bases across the region, expanding the conflict into multiple fronts.

Iranian demonstrators protest against the U.S.-Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

In recent weeks, growing military activity and reports of further troop deployments have intensified speculation about a potential ground invasion. Donald Trump, referring to “options on the table,” has raised the possibility of controlling Iran’s oil facilities and even seizing strategic locations—remarks that have resonated domestically and contributed to a heightened atmosphere of public mobilization.

 

Under these conditions, the “Janfada” campaign has rapidly evolved from an online initiative into a broader socio-political phenomenon. Emerging from public calls for direct participation in national defense, it is now framed as a symbol of collective readiness against external threats, with participation reported across diverse segments of society.

 

Senior officials have also backed the campaign. Mohammad Mokhber, an advisor to Iran’s leadership, stated that “security in the Islamic Republic is people-based,” emphasizing unity across different social groups.

 

Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei also joined, saying he did so in allegiance to Iran’s martyred leader.

 

Meanwhile, Army Commander Major General Amir Hatami warned that “if the enemy launches a ground operation, not a single one of its forces should survive,” adding that the army sees itself as “devoted to those who sacrifice for Iran.”

People attend a funeral ceremony for the Iranian military commanders who were killed in strikes, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 11, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, addressing Trump, wrote: “If you encroach upon our home, you will face the entire family,” adding, “We are not warmongers—but when it comes to defending our homeland, each of us becomes a soldier.”

 

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson also drew a historical parallel, saying: “During the war with Saddam, they claimed Tehran would fall within a week, yet the war lasted eight years. We are a resilient nation and will continue until our enemies regret their actions.” He added that all Iranians are prepared to sacrifice, stressing that “what matters is Iran as a great nation and civilization—not individual lives.”

 

Historically, the scale of this mobilization is notable. During the eight-year Iran–Iraq War, around two million volunteers joined the front lines—roughly 5–6% of the population at the time. In contrast, more than 10 million registrations in the “Janfada” campaign within days amount to over 11% of Iran’s current population, reflecting both the speed and scale of today’s response.

 

Beyond numbers, analysts see the campaign as a sign of social convergence in times of crisis, with territorial integrity emerging as a shared priority even among groups with differing views.

 

Reports also indicate increased public presence in support of the armed forces and repeated calls for direct involvement in defense—patterns reminiscent of past mobilizations, though unfolding more rapidly in the digital age.

 

Overall, as the war’s trajectory remains uncertain and the prospect of a ground invasion persists, the “Janfada” campaign has moved beyond an online initiative to become a significant indicator of Iran’s domestic response—one that could shape both the military and political dynamics of the conflict if it continues.

 

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