Khamenei urges turnout for Feb. 11 rallies in video message

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei released a video message calling on people to take part in rallies marking 22 Bahman, the February 11 anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei released a video message calling on people to take part in rallies marking 22 Bahman, the February 11 anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
In the message, published on Monday, Khamenei said that “today the Iranian nation shows itself through marches in the streets,” despite the anniversary falling on Wednesday, language Iranian state media often uses in advance to frame turnout for the event.
He urged participation as a show of national resolve, saying strength came from public will and unity rather than military power.
“National power has less to do with missiles and aircraft than with the will of nations and their resilience. You showed resilience, and you showed your will. You must show it again in other moments as well,” he said.
The message came a day after Khamenei skipped the annual February 8 meeting with air force commanders for the first time in 37 years, breaking a long-standing tradition amid heightened tensions with the United States.