Tehran is bracing for massive rallies as Iran marks the 47th anniversary of its 1979 Islamic Revolution. In a televised address aired just days before the celebrations, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stirring call to the nation. He urged Iranians to stand united against external foes, emphasizing that true national strength lies not in military hardware but in unwavering resolve and the ability to deliver a resounding response to adversaries.
Khamenei declared, ‘A nation remains oppressed until it disappoints the enemy.’ He portrayed the annual marches as a powerful display of honor that forces foreign powers to retreat from meddling in Iran’s affairs. This message comes at a critical juncture, with tensions escalating between Tehran and Washington. US military buildups in the Middle East and persistent threats against Iran underscore the fragile state of relations.
Despite indirect nuclear talks mediated by Oman in Muscat last Friday, bitterness lingers. The discussions, the first high-level contact since the June 2025 Israel-Iran conflict where the US struck key Iranian nuclear sites, offer slim hopes for de-escalation. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian hailed them as ‘a step forward,’ crediting Tehran’s consistent strategy for peaceful resolutions. Yet analysts view it as cautious crisis management rather than genuine reconciliation.
Khamenei expressed hope that this year’s anniversary would compel other nations to show humility and respect toward the Iranian people. The 1979 Revolution, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, toppled the US-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, transforming Iran from a Western-aligned monarchy into an Islamic Republic. Diplomatic ties with the US severed in 1980 after the embassy takeover in Tehran.
Meanwhile, Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani is set to lead a delegation to Oman’s capital Muscat on Tuesday. Discussions will cover regional developments, international events, and bilateral ties with Omani officials. Oman, having hosted the recent nuclear talks, positions itself as a potential venue for future dialogues. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated that the next round’s date and location will be decided in consultation with Oman.
Pezeshkian reiterated on social media that Iran’s nuclear pursuits fall within rights guaranteed by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. ‘The Iranian nation has always responded to respect with respect but will not tolerate the language of force,’ he posted. As Iran prepares for nationwide demonstrations, Khamenei’s words rally the populace, signaling defiance amid diplomatic maneuvering and looming threats.