Alwaght-Millions of Iranians have held massive marches across the country to mark the 37th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution.
The rallies on Thursday marked the victory of the glorious 1979 Islamic Revolution, led by late Imam Khomeini, which put an end to the monarchical rule of the US-backed Pahlavi dynasty.
The climax of the nationwide rallies was a keynote speech by Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani at the iconic Azadi (Freedom) Square in Tehran.
President Rouhani said that drastic social change since the Revolution had been possible only through a combination of ‘Islam’ and ‘Republic’ elements of the system, and that people had seen their ideals and historical demands crystallized on the words of late Imam Khomeini (RA); “the Revolution was not only political; but it changed the ethics and ontology of the nation altogether; it denied violence and advanced peacefully,” Rouhani told the crowd. “Those hegemonic powers, who had been dealing with Iranians with the language of coercion and denigration, have come to this conclusion that our nation will never succumb to pressures and threats.”
“We triumphantly brought the debacle of Iranophobia project during historic nuclear deal with the west; the world public now clearly accepts that the Zionist Regime was false in its claims that Iran was a threat to the globe,” Mr. Rouhani emphasized. He also said that election was an example of national dialogue where people and the system negotiate.
Rouhani promised a better economic future; “we will invest all our capacities to improve economic conditions and will stand with people to see a better next year where the economy will flourish and with it the country will see brilliant days.”
Meanwhile a 13 article statement of loyalty to the Islamic Revolution, its principles and aspirations was read at the end of the February 11 rallies in all cities across Iran.
"Once again, the Iranian nation makes allegiance to the lofty principles of the late Imam Khomeini which continue to be a guiding light in pursuit of their revolution’s objectives and values," said the statement issued at the end of nationwide rallies marking the anniversary of victory of the Islamic Revolution.
The millions of participants in the rally underlined in their statement that "the nation’s progress and independence are indebted to the policies and guidelines of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei. They see it crucial to follow in the footsteps of their Leader in order to bolster national unity and resolve, as well as the ideals and objectives of the Islamic Revolution".
"It is because of the Islamic Revolution that the resistance front has become a force to be reckoned with throughout the region. The Iranian nation condemns the proxy wars committed by the terrorist group of ISIL, as well as the ill-advised Saudi-led policies and efforts to undermine the resistance in regional states – in collaboration with the Zionist regime of Israel and the United States. The nation voices strong support for the people of Syria and Iraq in their fight against such stratagems," it added.
The participants in the rally further stressed that "it was because of the much-needed support and resistance of the Supreme Leader as well as efforts put in place by the Iranian negotiators that the nuclear dispute was finally resolved, as a consequence of which the oppressive sanctions were lifted against the country. Hence, the government and the National Security Council should take reciprocal measures in the event any of the P5+1 group of nations, particularly the United States, decides to backtrack from their international commitments vis-a-vis the nuclear deal".
Despite the lifting of sanctions and the opening of national economy to the outside world, the government is still duty-bound to take practical measures in support of the “Economic Resistance” program, including support for domestic production, investment, and youth employment, the ralliers said.
"Iran’s missile defense program guarantees national security and hence is non-negotiable. Those who try to undermine or threaten our national security will face reciprocal measures."
The ralliers also thanked the IRGC Navy for arresting US marines who trespassed into Iranian territorial waters in the Persian Gulf. "At the same time, the nation supports the IRGC Quds Force presence in Iraq and Syria. They are there to support the Iraqi and Syrian armies as well as popular forces in the ongoing war against ISIL and other Takfiri-Salafi terrorist outfits. It’s a great honor to see them disband the conspiracy of foreign powers and terrorist proxies."
The statement said the Saudi regime’s incompetence and criminality were put on full display following the execution of prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr as well as the tragic crowd crush during last year’s Hajj Pilgrimage in which thousands of innocent pilgrims were killed. "We also condemn the ongoing Saudi-led war on the defenseless people of Yemen and Riyadh's collaboration with the Al Khalifa regime in crushing pro-democracy demonstrators in Bahrain," it added.
More than 5,200 journalists from Iran and other countries covered the nationwide rallies.
Participants carried placards inscribed "Death to America and Israel" and chanted anti-Western slogans on the 37th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
The IRGC Quds Force Commander Major General Qassem Soleimani attracted a great deal of media interest as he marched along with the sea of the crowd towards the main venue of the rally.
