Iranians rally in millions to mark Revolution victory

Millions of the Iranians take to the streets nationwide to mark the 36th anniversary of the Islamic revolution in 1979. 

The capital Tehran and other cities and towns are witnessing rallies in celebration of the victory that put an end to the monarchical rule of the US-backed Pahlavi regime. 

Rouhani's nuclear speech

Addressing a massive gathering of people celebrating the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Tehran on Wednesday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said:"We seek a win-win agreement, according to which Iran would [guarantee] the transparency of its peaceful nuclear activities within the framework of international law and [in return] the opposite side should put an end to inhumane and illegal sanctions [against Iran]. This will benefit both sides,” Rouhani said.

He further dismissed claims by Western countries that sanctions have forced Iran to sit at the negotiating table.

“That you say Iran has come to the negotiating table because of sanctions is a lie. Iran has not come to the negotiating table due to the pressure of sanctions, [but] on account of logic and to establish peace and stability in the region and the world,” Rouhani said. “If you say that sanctions have forced Iran to negotiate, why don’t you keep imposing sanctions [on Iran]? Stop telling lies and be honest with your nations,” he said.

Rouhani said that the West has no option but to interact with the Islamic Republic, stressing that Iran is afraid of neither sanctions nor pressure.

He also said Iran wants a nuclear deal that ensures the dignity and progress of the nation.

Rouhani on terrorism

The Iranian president also touched on the issue of terrorism in the Middle East and said peace will not be restored and terrorism will not be uprooted in the region without engaging Iran.

Rouhani described the Islamic Republic as “the power” that helped Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and other regional countries in their fight against terrorist groups.

He also said these rallies indicate the reaffirmation of the Iranian nation’s allegiance to the Islamic Revolution.

Rouhani said that the Iranian nation wants “constructive interaction” with the world, but stressed that the Islamic Republic will continue to protect its interests and remain committed to the Revolution’s principles and ideals. 

On the 22nd day of the month of Bahman on the solar calendar year of 1357, Iranians put an end to 2,500 years of monarchical rule in the country.

The Islamic Revolution, under the leadership of Imam Khomeini, established a new political system based on Islamic values and democracy.

By attending the rallies on Wednesday, the Iranians reaffirm their allegiance to the causes of the Islamic Revolution and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the late founder of the Islamic Republic

Iranians' closing statement

The participants issued a statement at the end of Wednesday’s marches, lashing out at the United States and its allies for their hostile behavior in the negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

The statement said Iran would never give into the excessive demands of global hegemonic powers over its nuclear case, stressing that Iranians will remain united in supporting the country’s cause to attain peaceful nuclear technology.

The Iranian nation considers a source of “national pride and glory” the great advancements in the field of nuclear science and technology that the country made “under tough and cruel conditions [created by] the US-led bans, threats and acts of sabotage,” the statement added.

It also condemned the illegal sanctions imposed by the US and its allies against Iran, calling on Iranian officials to take measures to reduce the adverse effects of the bans.

Iranians “support the nuclear negotiating team in the talks with the P5+1 states” said the statement, emphasizing that the only way to reach a final nuclear accord is through “the recognition of the Iranian nation’s definite right” to enrich uranium for the purpose of meeting the country’s needs as well as “the comprehensive lifting” of anti-Tehran sanctions.

The statement also stressed that Iran’s defense capabilities are “non-negotiable,” adding that the Islamic Republic’s missile program symbolizes its “deterrence might” and “guarantees the country’s national security.”

AR/IA/MKA/HMV/HRB

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