'Death to Israel': Iran celebrates anniversary of Islamic revolution

On February 11, Iran commemorated the 45th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, marking the overthrow of the Shah in 1979 and the establishment of a theocratic regime. Thousands participated in burning American and Israeli flags, chanting traditional slogans like "Death to Israel!" and "Death to America!"

During the event, President Ebrahim Raisi asserted that Western efforts to pressure Iran into abandoning its support for Palestine had failed. He emphasized the importance of the Palestinian cause, echoing sentiments expressed by Iran's late spiritual leader.

Meanwhile, Iranian opposition voices, constrained by government crackdowns, have found new expression online. From the safety of their homes, dissenters now join in with cries of "Death to the Islamic Republic!" and "Death to the dictator!" alongside the celebratory fireworks.

This phenomenon carries a historical irony, as similar protests once echoed across rooftops and from windows during the pre-revolution era, rallying against the Shah and in support of Ruhollah Khomeini.