Tens of Thousands Rally in Iran for 46th Islamic Revolution Anniversary Amid Economic Crisis

Tens of thousands of Iranians gathered to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution amid sub-zero temperatures, marking the first such rally since Donald Trump resumed his 'maximum pressure' campaign against Tehran. The event highlighted the end of the American-backed monarchy and the establishment of the Islamic Republic, while also reflecting the current economic hardships Iran faces due to severe sanctions, with the national currency hitting record lows. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized negotiations with the U.S. as 'not intelligent, wise, or honorable,' although he did not outright ban potential engagement with Washington. President Masoud Pezeshkian adopted a more confrontational tone, declaring Iran in a 'full-fledged economy war' and asserting national resilience against external pressures. The demonstrations featured anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans, military displays, and symbolic gestures aimed at reaffirming allegiance to Iran's leadership. Participants expressed their determination to uphold the values of the Islamic Republic despite ongoing challenges.