Revolution Anniversary 2: Rallies in Pictures

February 12, 2018

On February 11, Iranians celebrated the 39th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. The popular uprising, led by the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, led to the ouster of Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlavi and ended centuries of dynastic rule. Each year, Iranians hold mass rallies across the country and the president addresses the nation.

President Hassan Rouhani told a crowd that Iran foiled U.S. and Israeli plans for the region. “They wanted to create tension in the region … they wanted to divide Iraq, Syria … but with our help their policies failed,” he said. "Americans wanted to interfere in the internal affairs of our country, but our people rejected them,” he added, likely a reference to U.S. officials who issued messages in support of Iranian protestors in January. Rouhani asked all of Iran’s citizens -- regardless of their political views, religion or ethnicity – to cooperate in the coming year.

 

Hundreds of thousands took to Tehran’s streets and Azadi Square. The atmosphere was reportedly relaxed and “carnival-like.” Street vendors sold toys and treats. As in previous years, however, some demonstrators burned American and Israeli flags. Images of President Donald Trump were also set ablaze. A Ghadr ballistic missile was put on display, as if to send a message to the West that Iran will not compromise on its defensive capabilities. The United States has raised sanctioned Iranian companies and individuals for supporting the country’s ballistic missile program. The following are pictures from the rallies inside and outside of Tehran. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A cardboard cutout of Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards’ elite Qods Force, was on hand for photographs in Tehran. During the last few years, Soleimani has become a popular figure among Iranians for his leading role in the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

 

Soleimani attended a rally in Kermanshah.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President Hassan Rouhani also walked with the crowd. 

Rouhani