Thousands Rally Across Iran Marking 1979 US Embassy Takeover Amid Rising US-Israel Tensions

Iranians commemorated the 46th anniversary of the 1979 U.S. Embassy takeover in Tehran with mass rallies marked by anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans, effigy burnings, and displays of missile mock-ups and uranium centrifuge replicas. This year's event was notably charged as it followed recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during a 12-day conflict in June, which killed over 1,100 Iranians including top scientists and military officials. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf reiterated a firm stance against normalizing ties with the U.S., accusing America and Israel of undermining Iran's sovereignty and independence. The commemorations reflected heightened nationalism and defiance amid Iran's increasing international isolation and suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Protesters emphasized continuing advancement of Iran's missile and nuclear programs despite global pressure. The event underscored persistent hostility between Iran and the U.S., with no diplomatic relations since the embassy crisis and ongoing tensions over Iran's nuclear ambitions.