Iran Officials Celebrate Trump-related Protests Amid Ongoing Narrative Battle

Tehran, Iran - Iranian authorities are organizing street-level events across the country to maintain security control and send messages to leaders of the United States and Israel. The third week of their war is approaching, with Wednesday marking the last day in the Iranian calendar.

Iranians traditionally celebrate Chaharshanbe Suri, a festival of fire that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and welcomes Nowruz, or the Persian New Year. This year, state television has urged Iranians to mark the festivities by creating and burning effigies of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will continue to create a “regional Chaharshanbe Suri” by firing ballistic missiles and drones at other countries. The IRGC released footage of a Sejjil long-range ballistic missile being fired for the first time during this war on Sunday, and reported more attacks on Monday.

Tehran has ruled out any negotiations with Washington, and says it expects reparations and a guarantee against future attacks if the war is to stop. A giant mural unveiled at Valiasr Square in downtown Tehran showed Iranian ballistic missiles, accompanied by the text, “Until the world finds rest.”

Residents of the capital have reported increased security measures, including patrols by paramilitary Basij forces and pro-establishment supporters gathering in mosques and main city squares to chant religious slogans using loudspeakers. The Israeli army has also been using its heavy surveillance and attack drones to monitor and launch munitions towards major checkpoints in Tehran.

State media have circulated images of young women signing up for checkpoint or patrol duty for the Basij force, while pro-state groups have organized nightly motorcades moving through various neighborhoods.

Source: Al Jazeera