Millions of people from all walks of life poured into the streets across Iran on Wednesday as nationwide rallies marking the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution began in Tehran and more than a thousand cities and towns, according to official announcements.
Iran (IMNA) - Crowds started gathering early in the morning along designated routes, with participants assembling from 9:30 a.m. local time and moving toward central locations, including Azadi Square in Tehran. Organizers said marches were being held at over 1,400 locations nationwide, while official figures reported that around 7,200 domestic journalists and nearly 200 foreign media representatives were covering the events.
Demonstrators chanted slogans condemning what they described as decades of crimes by the United States against the Iranian nation, as well as the Israeli regime’s actions. Among the participants were families of martyrs carrying photographs of those who lost their lives during the eight-year Iran-Iraq war, the 12-day war, and the recent foreign-backed riots, along with other martyrs honored for defending the country.
On Tuesday night, ahead of the main rallies, people across Iran marked the occasion by chanting “Allahu Akbar” at 9:00 p.m., commemorating the victory of the Revolution. In many cities, particularly Tehran, spontaneous gatherings formed in public squares, with participants waving Iranian flags.
In the days leading up to the anniversary, government officials and institutions issued statements encouraging widespread participation, describing the rallies as a symbol of national unity and resilience in the face of external pressure. Observers noted that the events carried strong political and cultural messages aimed at demonstrating public solidarity and engagement in national life.
The anniversary comes against the backdrop of recent unrest, which Iranian officials say began as peaceful protests over economic grievances on January 8 and 9 before being hijacked by foreign-backed armed rioters and terrorists. Authorities reported widespread destruction of shops, government buildings, and public service facilities, along with thousands of casualties among civilians and security forces. According to a statement by the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, a total of 3,117 people were killed, including 2,427 civilians and security personnel. Iranian officials have said American and Israeli intelligence agencies were directly involved in supporting the perpetrators.
Earlier this week, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, called on the Iranian nation to demonstrate unity and steadfastness on the anniversary, saying such solidarity would frustrate the country’s enemies.
The rallies commemorate the overthrow of the Pahlavi dictatorship in 1979, which had the backing of the United States. Imam Khomeini returned from exile on February 1, 1979, to a massive public استقبال following the shah’s departure in mid-January. The fall of the regime was finalized on February 11, 1979, when the military withdrew its support from the shah and joined the Revolution.
On the sidelines of the marches, organizers displayed several burned and damaged vehicles that officials said had been destroyed during the recent riots. After reports of an insult to the Holy Quran during the January terrorist incidents by operatives trained by Mossad, some demonstrators held copies of the Quran and chanted, “Truth does not burn.”
Military hardware was also exhibited in Tehran’s Azadi Square, including cruise missiles Soumar, Noor, and Qadir, and ballistic missiles Zolfaghar, Haj Qassem, and Emad. In addition, wreckage of several Israeli drones said to have been downed during the 12-day war was put on display.
President Masoud Pezeshkian attended the gathering in Tehran and was scheduled to address the crowd in the coming hours, as the nationwide commemorations continued.
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