Iran Marks 47 Years of Islamic Republic Anniversary with Protests and Resistance

Thousands Gather in Tehran for Funeral of IRGC Naval Commander

A large crowd gathered in Enghelab Square in central Tehran to pay their respects to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval commander, Alireza Tangsiri, who was killed in an Israeli strike. The procession took place on Wednesday, coinciding with the 47th anniversary of the establishment of the Islamic Republic.

The event drew thousands of mourners, many of whom were holding signs and displaying Iranian flags. Some attendees honored relatives who had been killed in the conflict, with their faces displayed on placards as the coffin of Commander Tangsiri moved slowly through the crowd.

US President Donald Trump addressed his country on television later that day, reiterating that war is necessary and stating that the US plans to “finish the job” in Iran. Trump also claimed that Iran’s president had requested a truce, which Tehran denied.

Mourners dismissed Trump’s statements, with some expressing confusion about his words. A government employee, Mohammad Saleh Momeni, stated that Trump’s threats are empty and that the US cannot put its words into practice. Others echoed this sentiment, saying that they do not care what Trump says.

The gathering in Tehran comes amid heightened tension between Iran and the US and Israel. The conflict has continued since February 28, with air strikes killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and numerous senior officials. Despite these attacks, the governing system remains intact, with continued missile and drone capabilities.

Throughout the city, portraits of the late leader and his successor, Mojtaba, are omnipresent. Some Iranians privately desire political change, but many others remain committed to resisting the US and Israel’s actions.

Source: Al Jazeera