Millions in streets across Iran for Islamic Revolution anniversary marches

Crowds started gathering on Wednesday morning along designated routes in Tehran and more than a thousand cities and towns, according to official announcements.

Participants assembled from 9:30 a.m. local time and proceed toward central gathering points, including Tehran’s Azadi Square, where President Masoud Pezeshkian is to make an address.

Organizers say more than 1,400 locations nationwide are hosting marches. Official figures also report that about 7,200 domestic journalists and nearly 200 foreign media representatives are covering the events to document public participation and related ceremonies.

On Tuesday night, people across the country chanted “Allahu Akbar” at 9:00 p.m. to commemorate the victory of the Revolution. In many cities, especially Tehran, spontaneous crowds carrying Iranian flags gathered in public squares.

In the days leading up to the rallies, government officials and institutions issued statements encouraging strong attendance.

Authorities described participation as a symbol of national unity and resilience amid external pressures. Observers note that the events carry political and cultural messaging aimed at demonstrating solidarity and public presence in national life.

Foreign-backed armed rioters and terrorists hijacked peaceful protests over economic grievances on January 8 and 9, causing widespread destruction of shops, government institutions, and public service facilities, and killing or injuring thousands, including civilians and security forces.

Iranian authorities confirmed that American and Israeli spy agencies were directly involved, providing funding, training, and media support to the perpetrators. According to a statement last month by Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, a total of 3,117 people lost their lives during the riots, including 2,427 innocent civilians and security personnel.

On Monday, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called on the Iranian nation to demonstrate its will and steadfastness on the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, saying such unity would frustrate the country’s enemy.

The rallies commemorate the Iranian people’s overthrow of the Pahlavi dictatorship, which had the full backing of the United States, in the winter of 1979.

Imam Khomeini returned from exile on February 1, 1979, receiving an enormous welcome from the public weeks after the shah’s departure in mid-January.

The downfall of the Pahlavi regime was sealed on February 11, 1979, when the military abandoned its allegiance to the shah and aligned itself with the Revolution.