Iran celebrated the 47th anniversary of the Islamic revolution that overthrew the Shah and created the Islamic Republic on Tuesday night in Tehran, where iconic sites like Tabiat Bridge and Azadi Tower were illuminated in shades of green, white, and red.
At nine o’clock in the evening, state media reported joyful crowds and rooftop ‘Allahu Akbar’ chants and rallies in more than 1,400 cities on Wednesday. The encouragement came from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Some social media posts claimed counter-chants of “Death to Khamenei” from homes, but they lacked independent verification despite pro-government accounts calling the atmosphere festive.
The anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of 1979 is February 11. Each year, the Iranian government uses these state-sponsored marches to demonstrate legitimacy at home and to show the world that there is “popular support.”
According to Ali Khamenei, the February 11 march was a representation of the nation’s perseverance and he added that such events were “unparalleled” in other parts of the world.
He further said that those who “covet Iran and the interests of the nation” might be forced to leave if the population continued to demonstrate in the streets.
Despite Ali Khamenei’s absence from the annual meeting with Air Force personnel on February 8 (19 Bahman), unlike in previous years, this video message was released.
Khamenei concluded by expressing his hope that the February 11 ceremonies this year would be held with “greater glory” and force “other countries and powers to bow” before the Islamic Republic.
US Iran tensions
Following US President Donald Trump’s deployment of a naval flotilla in the region, which sparked fears of military action, US and Iranian diplomats met through Omani mediators in Oman last week in an attempt to rekindle diplomatic relations.
The negotiations come after Iran clamped down on anti-government protests last month. Last year, Trump hit Iranian nuclear sites and participated in an Israeli bombing campaign. He also threatened to use force to quell the protests last month, but he eventually refrained.
