Iran’s Foreign Ministry urged people across the country to take part in the celebrations to demonstrate unity and national will
Iran has held nationwide rallies to celebrate the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, with large crowds gathering in Tehran’s Azadi Square and other cities. The Iranian Foreign Ministry, in a statement ahead of the event, called on people to take part, stressing the importance of unity and independence.
February 10 marks the culmination of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, when the rule of the US-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi ended, leading to the establishment of the Islamic Republic. The revolution, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, resulted in significant shifts in Iran’s domestic and foreign policies, including the severing of ties with the US and closer engagement with regional allies. Following the revolution, Iran’s strained relations with Western nations resulted in a series of sanctions aimed at curbing the country’s nuclear program and regional influence.
On Monday, demonstrators in Tehran marched through the streets waving flags and chanting slogans. Some carried banners with images of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as General Qassem Soleimani, the late commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, who was assassinated in a US drone strike in 2020.
As reported by Tasnim news agency, celebratory rallies have taken place in more than 1,400 cities and towns, and 38,000 villages across Iran. Hundreds of foreign guests are also said to have traveled to Iran for the event.
“The February 10 Rally is a manifestation of the unity and harmony of the Iranian people and a reflection of the national will to safeguard the precious legacy of independence, freedom, democracy, and security, which has been achieved through the sacrifices and dedication of the noblest sons of this land,” the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.
It added that over the past 46 years, Iran has overcome numerous challenges, including an “imposed” eight-year war with Iraq, terrorism, sabotage, illegal foreign interventions, unjust sanctions, and political and economic pressures.
Despite these restrictions, Tehran has continued to emphasize self-sufficiency and cooperation with other countries, with the Foreign Ministry describing Monday’s rally as a symbol of national resilience, adding that Iran has defended its independence despite external pressures.
Russia has remained a key ally, with President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, recently signing a 20-year ‘comprehensive strategic partnership treaty’ aimed at strengthening economic and military cooperation. The agreement between the two BRICS nations covers trade, military collaboration, science, education, and cultural exchanges, reinforcing bilateral ties amid Western pressure.
