Large crowds gathered across Iran to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution. People filled streets in Tehran and other cities to celebrate the creation of the Islamic Republic and show support for the leadership.
Participants carried portraits of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who founded the Islamic Republic. Many also waved Iranian and Palestinian flags. During the rallies, crowds chanted slogans including “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!”
The events included strong symbolic displays. Protesters burned and stepped on American and Israeli flags. Iranian media also showed mock coffins covered with US flags and names of American military officials. Missiles and parts of Israeli drones from last year’s conflict were also displayed.
These rallies were meant to show unity and strength. However, not everyone in Iran supports the government. In recent months, protests erupted due to rising inflation and the sharp fall in the value of Iran’s currency, the rial.
Read more: Ten dead as female shooter attacks high school in western Canada
The demonstrations spread across many cities and turned into antigovernment protests. Security forces responded with a strict crackdown, leading to casualties and arrests. This shows that while many people support the government, others remain unhappy with economic and political conditions.
These rallies show both strength and tension in Iran. Many people still support the Islamic revolution and leadership. But economic problems have created anger among others. This means Iran is facing both unity and internal pressure at the same time.
