Mass rallies across Iran on 46th anniversary of Islamic Revolution
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Millions have participated in these rallies in more than 1,400 cities and towns and more than 35,000 villages in Iran since this morning.
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Iranian demonstrators burn a representation of the U.S. flag during a rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Monday, February 10, 2025. (AP)
Rallies commemorating the 45th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution have begun this morning in all provinces of Iran, including Tehran.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Tehran reported that Iranians flooded the fields and squares across Iran in light of the anniversary.
Millions participated in these rallies in more than 1,400 cities and towns and more than 35,000 villages since this morning.
مسيرات تجوب المدن الإيرانية في الذكرى الـ 46 لانتصار الثورة الإسلامية.
— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) February 10, 2025
التفاصيل مع مراسلة #الميادين بيسان طراف.@TarrafBissan#الميادين #إيران pic.twitter.com/V5PqbxwrWY
Iran calls for national unity amid growing international pressures
In this context, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the Iranian people to participate in the February 10 marches, emphasizing national unity and reaffirming their commitment to the principles of the revolution—independence, freedom, human dignity, and rejecting foreign domination.
In a recent statement, the ministry reiterated Iran's commitment to "dignified negotiations and smart engagement" as part of its foreign policy approach. It emphasized that while Iran seeks constructive dialogue, it is resolute in responding firmly to any external threats, ambitions, or pressures that challenge its sovereignty or national interests.
"We are facing, more than ever, the Zionist entity's ambitions and US violations of laws and international resolutions," the statement declared.
Tehran underscored that Iranian diplomats have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to honorable negotiation ethics and smart engagement with any party that recognizes the legitimate interests of the Iranian people, and view negotiation as a rational means to achieve mutual benefits. However, at the same time, these diplomats will firmly confront any ambitions or attempts to impose unilateral demands through threats, intimidation, or pressure, the statement warned.
It also pointed out that the Iranian people are the cornerstone of the nation's strength, noting that the Islamic Republic, with popular support, has managed over the past 46 years to overcome major challenges, including the imposed war, terrorism, sabotage, unlawful foreign interference, unjust sanctions, and political and economic pressures.
On his part, the commander of the Aerospace Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commented on Donald Trump's threats against Tehran, stating that the US president has previously tested the Iranians and knows that "Iran, as a powerful nation, does not bow to coercion."
In a statement to Al Mayadeen, Hajizadeh emphasized that "the enemies cannot commit any foolish act against us, and we remain steadfast and strong."
Hamas leader reaffirms Iran's support for Palestine
In a strong statement on Monday, Khalil al-Hayya, the head of the Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, stated that Operation Al Aqsa Flood was launched as a prelude to the liberation of Palestine, the end of aggression, and the demise of the occupation.
Addressing the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran from Tehran, al-Hayya reaffirmed that Iran has long supported the Palestinian cause, voicing confidence that this backing would persist.
He also pointed to Iran's steadfast support for Gaza as pivotal, emphasizing that Israel's "bullying" tactics must come to an end.
The Hamas leader firmly rejected recent statements from US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about forcibly displacing Gaza’s residents, asserting that the Palestinian people will never abandon their land.
The plans of the West, the United States, and Trump for the Gaza Strip were "doomed", the senior Palestinian official underscored.
"We will bring them down as we brought down the projects before them," he added.
Trump said on Sunday he was committed to buying and owning Gaza but could allow sections of the Palestinian enclave to be rebuilt by other states in the Middle East.
Al-Hayya expressed gratitude for the support extended by Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and Iran, acknowledging their shared sacrifice and the unifying power of martyrdom. He stressed that the Palestinian people united in their struggle, would not forget those who have stood with them while promising never to forgive those who abandoned their cause.
The Islamic Revolution and the establishment of the Islamic Republic
The Islamic Revolution in Iran, also known as the 1979 Iranian Revolution, was a significant political and social upheaval that resulted in the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Before the revolution, Iran was ruled by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a monarch who had been in power since 1941. The Shah's regime was characterized by an authoritarian rule, a strong military, and a close relationship with Western powers, especially the United States.
The Shah’s regime was known for its political repression, including censorship, surveillance, and imprisonment of political opponents.
Despite the country's wealth from oil exports, many Iranians felt excluded from economic benefits. The wealth gap between the elite and the general population widened, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. Rural areas, in particular, suffered from poverty and underdevelopment.
The revolution was heavily influenced by Imam Ruhollah Khomeini, a cleric who had been exiled by the Shah for his opposition and criticism of the regime's corruption and ties to the West.
Large-scale protests against the Shah’s regime began in 1978. In January 1979, the Shah, facing increasing protests and the collapse of his regime’s support, fled Iran for medical treatment. The Shah’s departure left a power vacuum, which Khomeini and his supporters were quick to fill.
Imam Khomeini returned to Iran on February 1, 1979, after 14 years of exile, to a hero’s welcome. His return marked the beginning of the establishment of the Islamic Republic.
In April 1979, a national referendum was held, and the Iranian people overwhelmingly voted to establish an Islamic Republic, marking the official end of the monarchy.
