Tehran, Iran: Tens of thousands of Iranians have gathered to commemorate the anniversary of the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. This annual rally marks the first such celebration since Donald Trump’s presidency commenced, reigniting his maximum pressure strategy targeting Tehran. As Iran faces significant economic challenges due to stringent sanctions, the aura of uncertainty broadens. President Trump considers negotiating on Tehran’s nuclear program, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
Iran's economy is under immense strain, with the country’s currency, the rial, plummeting to an all-time low against the US dollar. On Monday, in aftermarket trading, the exchange rate reached a staggering 928,500 rials to $1—a decline of over 6% since the previous Friday.
Amidst escalating tensions, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized any prospect of dialogue with the United States, calling diplomatic engagement with America “not intelligent, wise, or honorable.” Though he dismissed negotiations with Washington, Khamenei did not explicitly forbid them.
Echoing this defiance, Iran's reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian adopted a tougher stance in his speech at Azadi Square, popularly known as Freedom Square. Pezeshkian described their current economic challenges metaphorically, referring to them as a full-fledged economic war. He accused Trump of duplicity, spreading narratives of Iranian weakness while simultaneously advocating talks, stating, “They suggest negotiations while continuing plots against us.”
The annual parade drew attendees carrying flags, banners, and balloons, braving the sub-zero temperatures of Tehran. Chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” resonated, alongside images of Khamenei, reflecting Iran's deep-rooted defiance. Demonstrators also held placards with revolutionary messages, such as “We are going to wipe out Israel.” Replicas of Iran’s military missiles were displayed, underscoring the nation's strategic posture.
Among the attendees, Mohsen Amini, a 48-year-old teacher, voiced his resolve, We support our country, undeterred by threats from Trump and the Israelis. Hamideh Zamani, a homemaker attending with her children, echoed this sentiment, pledging resistance against Western threats.
The festivities, broadcast nationwide, transformed into a symbolic festival. Despite the tensions, the day remains an official holiday, marked by school and office closures, encouraging public participation. The morning saw processions across the nation, with the government urging citizens to join the celebrations.
The revolution traces back to widespread unrest against the shah, culminating with his departure in January 1979 due to health issues. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's return from exile signaled a shift in power, leading to the establishment of an Islamic Republic through a nationwide referendum in April. Anger intensified later that year when the US allowed the shah entry for medical treatment, sparking the infamous storming of the US Embassy in Tehran in November. This incident ignited a 444-day hostage crisis, embedding long-term hostilities between the US and Iran.
