Iran’s Revolution Anniversary Marred by Anti-Israel and Anti-U.S. Demonstrations
On Wednesday, Iran marked the 47th anniversary of the revolution that overthrew the Shah, replacing the monarchy with the current theocratic regime under the leadership of Ruhollah Khomeini, the inaugural “Supreme Leader.”
The celebrations were once again characterized by fervent animosity towards Israel and the United States, whom Khomeini had derogatorily termed the “little” and “great Satan,” respectively.
This year’s state-sponsored rallies featured the burning of a statue of Baal, a deity associated with ancient Canaanites. The effigy was decorated with Israeli flags, an image of U.S. President Donald Trump, and a Star of David, symbolically linking the ancient god opposed by biblical Israelites to modern-day Israel. The statue was set ablaze as participants chanted “Death to Israel.”
Images circulated online showed a poster depicting Baal manipulating Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, and the notorious convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Other protest activities included participants trampling on the flags of Israel and the U.S., mock coffins representing senior American military officials such as CENTCOM Commander Gen. Brad Cooper, and displays of Israeli drones purportedly downed during the previous year’s 12-Day War.
The regime also demonstrated its military prowess, showcasing a variety of missiles, while prominent figures made rare public appearances amid ongoing tensions with the U.S. and concerns over potential surprise attacks.
Reports suggested the regime compelled workers to participate in these mass rallies by threatening their wages.
Among the senior Iranian officials present were Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, IRGC Quds Force commander Ismail Qaani, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had previously adopted a more conciliatory tone regarding recent protests, called for national unity during his speech. Despite estimates of up to 40,000 protester deaths, he did not directly address the crackdown, stating, “We are ashamed before the people. We are obliged to serve all those who were harmed in this process. We are ready to hear the voice of the people. We are servants of the people and we do not seek to confront the people.”
However, Pezeshkian has refrained from openly supporting members of the Reformist Movement, with which he is affiliated, following the regime’s recent arrests of several reformist leaders. Read more on the crackdown here.
Concerning the ongoing U.S. tensions and nuclear discussions, Pezeshkian reiterated the regime’s stance against seeking nuclear arms, citing a lack of trust due to past U.S. and European actions. “The high wall of mistrust that the United States and Europe have created through their past statements and actions does not allow these talks to reach a conclusion,” he remarked.
He added, “At the same time, we are engaging with full determination in dialogue aimed at peace and stability in the region alongside our neighbouring countries.”
Despite his statements, Pezeshkian’s influence over foreign policy and security is limited. Ali Shamkhani, a close ally of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, adopted a more confrontational tone in his address on Wednesday.
Shamkhani firmly rejected negotiations over Iran’s ballistic missile program, cautioning that “the negotiations that come in parallel with the American president’s threats fall within the framework of the usual American approach.” He warned that any war “will not remain limited to a specific geographical framework or between only two sides.”
He further threatened global implications, stating, “Considering the energy resources and potential in the region, any escalation could have implications for many factors. Any escalation could affect the lives of people around the world.”
This article was originally published by All Israel News.
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This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
