Tehran: Millions of Iranians marched on the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution on Friday in what the president described as a response to the new US administration and a rejection of “threatening language”.
President Hassan Rouhani joined hundreds of thousands at an anniversary march through the capital, one of dozens of such events around the country.
“This turnout is a response to false remarks by the new rulers in the White House and the people are telling the world through their presence that the Iranian people must be spoken to with respect,” Rouhani said.
“Iranians will make those using threatening language against this nation regret it. “Anyone threating Iran’s government and armed forces should know that our nation is vigilant.”
US President Donald Trump has taken an increasingly strident line towards Iran since taking office last month, warning that it was “playing with fire” and “on notice”.
Last week, he imposed sanctions on Iran over a January 29 ballistic missile test and officials warned more might follow.
Placards bearing slogans against Trump were brandished by the marchers as they weaved their way through the streets of the capital in the wintry fog to the central Azadi (Freedom) Square.
“Thanks Mr Trump for revealing true face of the US,” said a placard echoing comments made by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a speech this week.
“Iranians are not scared of threats,” said another, bearing the faces of Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May and her Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.
Some marchers made a distinction between the American people and the Trump administration and carried placards thanking those who had opposed the president’s controversial visa ban on the citizens of Iran and six other countries.
The ban was suspended by a lower court a week later and a federal appeals court on Thursday refused to reinstate it but Trump vowed to continue the legal battle for his order to stand.
“Down with US regime, long live American people,” said one placard in English. “Thanks American people for supporting Muslims,” said another.
“American people are welcome and invited to visit Iran,” said a third.
The posters were following a Twitter hashtag #LoveBeyondFlags started by Iranian users to thank Americans who protested against the visa ban.
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who negotiated the nuclear deal was among the top officials who attended the Tehran march alongside Rouhani.
Also present was Major General Ghasem Suleimani, head of the foreign operations arm of the elite Revolutionary Guards. — AFP
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
