BREAKING: 7 MILLION Iranians have volunteered to fight for the Islamic Republic over the LAST WEEK – Ghalibaf
Tehran – April 2, 2026 | Reflecto News
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (also spelled Qalibaf) has claimed that approximately 7 million Iranians have volunteered to take up arms and defend the Islamic Republic in less than a week amid the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ghalibaf stated: “Right now, in less than a week, a powerful national campaign sweeping the country has brought forward around 7 million Iranians who have already stepped up and declared they’re ready to pick up arms and stand in defense of our nation.”
He framed the surge as a spontaneous wave of national unity in response to the conflict, signaling readiness for any potential ground invasion by US or allied forces.
Context of Ghalibaf’s Claim
Ghalibaf, a former IRGC commander and a pragmatic yet hardline figure often mentioned as a possible channel for US-Iran negotiations, has used social media to issue defiant messages since Operation Epic Fury began in late February 2026.
The 7-million figure — in a country of roughly 90 million people — appears linked to a nationwide volunteer registration drive, likely channeled through the Basij, the vast paramilitary volunteer force affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iranian state media and text-message campaigns have encouraged citizens, including retirees and younger volunteers, to register their willingness to defend the homeland.
This announcement comes as:
- US and Israeli strikes continue to degrade Iranian naval, missile, and nuclear-related infrastructure.
- Senior IRGC figures, including Brigadier General Mohammad Ali Fathali-Zadeh, have been killed in recent operations.
- Iran has launched multiple ballistic missile barrages targeting central Israel, including areas near Petah Tikva and Tel Aviv.
- Houthi allies in Yemen have fired missiles in solidarity.
No independent verification of the exact number of volunteers has been provided, and such large-scale mobilization claims are frequently viewed as wartime propaganda aimed at projecting national resolve, deterring ground operations, and boosting domestic morale.
Broader War and Diplomatic Landscape
Ghalibaf’s statement contrasts sharply with ongoing diplomatic efforts:
- Russia-Saudi talks: President Vladimir Putin and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently called for an immediate ceasefire.
- UK-led initiative: India and dozens of other nations are discussing ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, disrupted by the conflict.
- US position: President Donald Trump has reiterated that Iran should “make a deal before it is too late,” emphasizing the 15-point peace proposal that demands nuclear dismantlement, missile limits, cessation of proxy support, and full reopening of the strait in exchange for sanctions relief.
- Energy ripple effects: The conflict has driven up fuel and power prices across Asia, with Japan’s spot electricity prices hitting a three-year high and countries like Bangladesh seeking US sanctions waivers for Russian diesel imports.
While no US or Israeli official has announced plans for a ground invasion, Ghalibaf’s remarks appear designed to deter any such escalation and portray Iran as prepared for a prolonged “people’s war” if necessary.
Implications
- Domestic: The claim aims to demonstrate widespread public support for the regime amid economic hardship and military pressure.
- Military: It highlights reliance on asymmetric warfare and large-scale paramilitary forces (Basij) rather than conventional forces, which have suffered significant losses.
- International: Such rhetoric may complicate ceasefire efforts while signaling to negotiators that Iran believes it retains strong popular backing.
Analysts note that volunteer numbers in past Iranian conflicts have often been inflated for propaganda purposes, but even a fraction of the claimed figure would represent a substantial reserve force.
Reflecto News will continue monitoring Iranian official statements, any verification of volunteer numbers, and developments on the battlefield or in diplomatic channels.
By Reflecto News Desk
Sources: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s statements on X, Times of Israel, Indian Express, AP, Reuters, and international wire services.