Iran Celebrates 45th Anniversary of Islamic Revolution Amid Regional Tensions and Anti-Israel Sentiments

Tehran, Iran Commemorates 45th Anniversary of Islamic Revolution

Iran marked the 45th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution with massive demonstrations and rallies across the country. The celebrations took place amidst the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, adding to the already tense atmosphere.

Enormous Turnout and Demonstrations

Thousands of Iranians flooded the major streets and squares, adorned with flags, balloons, and banners carrying revolutionary and religious slogans. In Tehran, demonstrators fervently waved Iranian flags, chanted slogans, and prominently displayed placards bearing the traditional anti-American and anti-Israeli rhetoric, including "Death to America" and "Death to Israel." Furthermore, some individuals took part in burning U.S. and Israeli flags, a customary practice during pro-government gatherings.

Military Showcase and High-Ranking Officials' Presence

The processions, originating from various points, culminated at Azadi Square in the capital. State TV coverage depicted crowds in numerous cities and towns and claimed that "millions participated in the rallies" nationwide. Meanwhile, the military showcased a variety of missiles, including the Qassem Soleimani and Sejjil ballistic missiles, the Simorgh satellite carrier, and drones at the square, where attendees took selfies with the weaponry.

High-ranking Iranian officials, including hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi and military leaders such as General Mohammad Salami and Gen. Esmail Ghaani, participated in the celebrations, alongside the head of the Judiciary body, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejehi.

Political Statements and Historical Context

President Raisi addressed the crowds in Azadi Square, urging the United Nations to expel "the Zionist regime," while emphasizing the immediate cessation of the bombing in Gaza. The anniversary occurred a month after a deadly attack by the extremist Islamic State group in the central city of Kerman, claiming the lives of at least 95 people during the commemoration for prominent Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Iran has sought to hold the U.S. and Israel accountable for the attack, given the ongoing Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip.

The Islamic Revolution was ignited by widespread unrest in Iran over the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The shah, terminally and secretly ill with cancer, fled the country in January 1979. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini then returned from exile, leading to the overthrow of the government on February 11, 1979, after days of mass demonstrations and clashes between protesters and security forces.