Irans Leaders Criticize US and Sedition During 1979 Revolution Celebrations

Iran Celebrates Islamic Revolution Anniversary Amid Tensions with US

Tehran, Iran - Iranian authorities held state-organised rallies and celebrations commemorating the Islamic revolution across the country on Wednesday, one month after deadly nationwide protests. The events took place in a symbolic setting, with chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” echoing through the streets.

At the annual demonstrations near Enghelab Square in downtown Tehran, authorities displayed coffins bearing the names and images of US military commanders, including Central Command chief Brad Cooper and Chief of Staff Randy Alan George. The display was accompanied by anti-US rhetoric.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei did not attend the events, but released a video message urging Iranians to participate in the revolution anniversary. Senior authorities also issued similar messages, calling on supporters to mobilise.

A private businessman who had been arrested and had his assets confiscated for observing a strike during the protests wrote a confession letter, stating he would participate in the rallies. The Fars news agency released a video of a “symbol of the devil” being burned during one of the events, which appeared to depict a man with horns sitting on a pedestal marked with US and Israeli flags.

The display of ballistic and cruise missiles capable of reaching Israel was also shown, as well as wreckage from Israeli drones shot down during last year’s war. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the crowds in Tehran’s Azadi Square, calling for national unity in the face of external threats while expressing willingness to negotiate over Iran’s nuclear programme.

The celebrations follow a 12-day war with Israel and the US in June, as well as nationwide protests starting in late December. The events are seen as a demonstration of Iranian resolve in the face of perceived threats from the US and its allies.

Source: Al Jazeera