Iran on Tuesday marked the anniversary of the 1979 seizure of the US embassy in Tehran with state-organized rallies across the country, the first such commemorations since the United States and Israel carried out air strikes on Iranian targets earlier this year.
Crowds gathered across the country waving national flags and portraits of Iran’s leaders to observe what officials call the National Day of Fighting Global Arrogance.
The annual event, organized by state institutions, commemorates the November 4, 1979 takeover of the US embassy by militant students who held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days, leading to the rupture of diplomatic ties between Tehran and Washington.
Marchers, including students, public employees and members of the military, chanted slogans against the United States and Israel in Tehran and major cities.
State television showed large gatherings in Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan and Shiraz, describing the turnout as a show of national unity and defiance following the recent confrontation.
In Tehran, organizers also showcased models of Iran’s ballistic missiles and nuclear centrifuges, which state media said symbolized the country’s technological progress and deterrent capability.
In the capital, demonstrators moved from Palestine Square to the site of the former US embassy, where the ceremony concluded with speeches, patriotic songs and the reading of a closing resolution denouncing Western sanctions and reaffirming support for Palestinians.
Officials stress independence and unity
Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, who joined the rally and delivered the main speech, said the anniversary symbolized Iran’s resolve to remain independent and resist what he called domination by foreign powers.
He said the country’s independence could not be “traded for any concession” and that “Death to America” was a rejection of hegemony, not hostility toward a nation.
Ghalibaf cited the 1953 coup against Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh and the 1964 exile of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as examples of past interference, arguing that Iran’s self-reliance in defense, science and technology was its safeguard against renewed pressure.
Former Revolutionary Guards commander Mohsen Rezaei told reporters that Iran’s message to adversaries was one of “resistance and readiness,” saying the nation would respond firmly to any renewed threat.
Resolution reaffirms resistance policy
At the close of the Tehran rally, a statement read aloud by organizers reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to what it called “rational resistance” against Western powers and support for Palestinians in Gaza.
The text rejected any compromise with the United States or Israel, urging national cohesion and stronger economic management at home.
The declaration also stressed that Iran’s defense and nuclear program were integral to national sovereignty and called on government institutions to curb inflation and address public grievances.
