Tehran, Iran – Despite the nuclear deal and the lifting of sanctions, anti-American sentiment in Iran remains strong. Tens of thousands of Iranians gathered in Tehran’s Azadi Square on Thursday to mark the 37th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, marching with chants of “Death to America and Israel” and waving anti-Western placards. The rally was a reminder that, despite diplomatic efforts, deep-rooted hostility towards the U.S. continues to be a significant part of Iranian national identity.
Strong Anti-Western Rhetoric at the Rally
At the forefront of the march, participants displayed their anger towards foreign influence. Ahmad Norouzi, a 37-year-old nurse, wore a bandana that read: “We will not allow foreign influence.” He voiced his defiance directly at former President Barack Obama, saying, “You can’t do anything to us, and anything you say is a lie.”
Sanaz, a 22-year-old secretary, expressed similar sentiments, saying, “I am happy that I was able to come here today, and as an Iranian, I can put my fist in America’s mouth and say Death to America.” Sanaz’s statement encapsulated the intensity of the nationalistic spirit that was on full display during the rally.
Marching to Remember and Protest
The rally also commemorated a recent incident where 10 U.S. Navy sailors were detained by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. This event was heavily referenced throughout the rally, with one float in the parade dedicated to this incident. The ongoing tension between Iran and the U.S. was palpable as many attendees voiced support for the actions of the Iranian military, seeing them as part of the broader struggle against U.S. influence.
President Rouhani’s Address and Celebrations
President Hassan Rouhani addressed the crowd, emphasizing Iran’s refusal to “yield” to outside pressure. He spoke proudly of the nuclear deal, claiming that it demonstrated Iran’s ability to win battles, not only on the battlefield but also in diplomatic arenas. “Our nuclear victory showed to the world that Iranians are capable of winning any battle, including diplomatic battles,” Rouhani said.
In line with the national pride, the rally also praised Iran’s “scientific and defensive achievements,” showcasing items such as the Shahed 129 drone and the precision-guided Emad ballistic missile, symbols of Iran’s growing military capabilities.
A Contrast of Celebration and Political Messaging
Despite the overtly political tone, the event took on a carnival-like atmosphere, especially among younger Iranians. Teenagers painted their faces and danced in the streets, while street vendors sold food, clothes, balloons, and even Western-style dolls. This juxtaposition between political expression and festive celebration highlighted the complexity of the Iranian population’s views on the revolution and their ongoing defiance of foreign influence.
Nationwide Participation
State television broadcast images of celebrations from across the country, with reports indicating that millions of Iranians attended the events, braving freezing temperatures. The scale of the turnout underscored the continuing influence of the Islamic Revolution in shaping Iran’s national identity and the continued prominence of anti-American rhetoric in the country’s political life.
