Millions of Iranians have marked the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution with nationwide rallies.
Huge crowds poured into Tehran’s main squares and into public spaces across roughly 1,400 cities and towns, in a display of national unity amid threats by the US and Israel in recent weeks.
In Tehran, participants chanted slogans condemning crimes by the United States against Iran, as well as the Israeli regime’s atrocities.
On Tuesday night, people across the country chanted “Allahu Akbar” at 9:00 p.m. to commemorate the victory of the Islamic Revolution. In many cities, especially Tehran, spontaneous crowds carrying Iranian flags gathered in public squares.
Several cruise missiles — including Soumar, Noor, and Qadir — as well as ballistic missiles such as Zolfaghar, Haj Qassem, and Emad, were exhibited in Azadi Square.
In addition to the missiles, wreckage of several Israeli drones said to have been shot down during the 12-day war in June was also shown to participants in Azadi Square.
The large-scale turnout follows riots in January when protests initially sparked by economic grievances turned violent.
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Armed groups infiltrated the demonstrations, leading to damage to shops, government buildings and public facilities, as well as casualties among civilians and security forces.
Iranian authorities said that American and Israeli spy agencies were directly involved, providing funding, training and media support to the perpetrators.
According to a statement last month by Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, a total of 3,117 people lost their lives during the riots, including 2,427 innocent civilians and security personnel.
The rallies commemorate the overthrow of the Pahlavi dictatorship, which had the full backing of the United States, in the winter of 1979.
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned from exile on February 1, 1979, receiving an enormous welcome from the public weeks after the shah’s departure in mid-January.
The downfall of the Pahlavi regime was sealed on February 11, 1979, when the military abandoned its allegiance to the shah and aligned itself with the revolution.
