Iran celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution with rallies and clear political messages. State television spoke of millions of participants. Many shouted “Death to Israel” or “Death to America.”
Iran commemorated the Islamic Revolution 45 years ago with many celebrations. Thousands of people marched through the streets and gathered in squares decorated with flags, balloons and banners. State television showed crowds in many cities and towns and reported that millions took part in rallies across the country.
In the capital Tehran, crowds waved Iranian flags and carried placards reading “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” Some burned American and Israeli flags, as is often the case at pro-government rallies. Some people also carried portraits of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Khomeini or supreme spiritual leader Ali Khamenei.
Iranians in front of pictures of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini (right) and the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
President Raisi: UN should exclude Israel
Commemorative marches started from several points and converged on Asadi Square. The military presented some of its missiles and drones at the square. During the celebrations, a paratrooper jumped from a plane displaying a Palestinian flag.
Numerous high-ranking government officials took part in the celebrations in Tehran, including President Ebrahim Raisi. He addressed the crowd in the square and called on the United Nations to expel “the Zionist regime” in a speech broadcast on state television. Israel violated “400 declarations, resolutions and agreements” concluded within the framework of “international organizations.” Raisi called Israel’s war against the terrorist militia Hamas “a crime against humanity” – “and the supporters of this criminal regime are the USA and some Western countries.”
The commander of the powerful Revolutionary Guard, General Mohammad Salami, and General Esmail Ghaani, head of the Guard’s Expeditionary Force, also attended the celebrations.
Revolt against the Shah
The Islamic Revolution began with widespread unrest in Iran against the rule of Shah Reza Pahlawi. The Shah, terminally ill with cancer, fled the country in January 1979. Ayatollah Khomeini then returned from exile and the government fell on February 11, 1979 after days of mass demonstrations and clashes between demonstrators and security forces.