Iran marks Islamic Revolution anniversary with anti-US and Israel display

Missiles, drone wreckage and propaganda symbols shown during mass rallies in Tehran

Iran marks Islamic Revolution anniversary with anti-US and Israel display as mass demonstrations filled streets across the country on the same day U.S. President Donald Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.

The celebrations marked the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, known as 22 Bahman in the Persian calendar. Iranian authorities staged what appeared to be a coordinated show of strength, displaying ballistic and cruise missiles, alleged wreckage of Israeli drones and symbolic coffins representing U.S. soldiers.

According to Iranian state media, “millions of people” took part in marches organized in more than 1,400 cities nationwide. In Tehran, crowds began gathering early along designated routes leading to Azadi Square, the symbolic center of the annual celebrations.

During the rallies, Iranian forces showcased ballistic and cruise missile systems including Fateh and Fatah-110 models. State-linked Mehr news agency described the display as a clear message directed at Israel, as regional tensions remain high and negotiations between Tehran and Washington over nuclear talks continue.

Authorities also displayed what Iran claimed were remains of Israeli drones shot down during what officials described as the “12-day war.” The claims could not be independently verified.

Propaganda elements targeting the United States and Israel were visible throughout the demonstrations. Symbolic coffins attributed to U.S. military commanders appeared in processions, while images of Trump and Netanyahu were trampled by protesters. In Enghelab Square, demonstrators burned Israeli and U.S. flags.

Senior Iranian officials joined the public events, including Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Seyed Abdolrahim Mousavi and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Pakpour. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf and President Masoud Pezeshkian were also present, with Pezeshkian expected to deliver an official address.

The anniversary events come as Iran continues to face internal tensions following anti-government protests that erupted in late January and were harshly suppressed by authorities. Tehran continues to frame those protests as foreign-backed destabilization efforts, accusing the United States and Israel of fueling unrest and violence.

The anniversary of 22 Bahman remains one of the most important dates for the Islamic Republic. It commemorates the fall of the pro-Western monarchy of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the rise of the revolution led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Khomeini returned to Iran on Feb. 1, 1979, after years in exile, arriving to massive crowds in a country already destabilized by protests and institutional collapse. The Shah had left Iran in mid-January as unrest intensified and the military struggled to contain demonstrations.

The decisive turning point came on Feb. 11, 1979, when the army declared neutrality and withdrew support from the monarchy, effectively ending the Pahlavi dynasty and paving the way for the creation of the Islamic Republic. Since then, the revolution has become a central pillar of Iranian identity, commemorated annually through mass marches blending religion, nationalism and foreign policy messaging.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)