On February 10, Iranians celebrated the 38th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. The popular uprising, led by the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, led to the ouster of Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlavi and ended centuries of monarchical rule. Each year, Iranians hold mass rallies across the country and the president addresses the nation. Iran “won’t give in to bullying and threats,” President Hassan Rouhani told a crowd in Tehran, where hundreds of thousands turned out for a march. “Some newcomers have come to power in the U.S. and the region,” Rouhani said, alluding to the Trump administration. “They should know that Iranian nation must be talked to with respect.”
Anti-U.S. sentiment in Tehran, however, was reportedly more subdued than in previous years. The burning of U.S. and Israeli flags and shouts of “Down with the U.S.A,” were not as prevalent. No missiles were put on display either, so the overall tone of the march, though still anti-Western, was not as aggressive. Many demonstrators echoed recent remarks by the supreme leader, condemning President Donald Trump’s recent Executive Order that aimed to ban citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries — Iran, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, and Yemen — from entering the United States for 90 days.
Boy carrying edited cover of @SPIEGEL_English: 'Goodbye to American values'
— Sobhan Hassanvand (@Hassanvand) February 10, 2017
Today's rally in Tehran marking Iran's 1979 revolution pic.twitter.com/4MOCuqqw9q
But in the run up to the march, Iranians on social media called on their fellow citizens using the hashtag #LoveBeyondFlags to not burn U.S. flags, but instead to thank American protesters for opposing the ban.
Iran celebrates the anniversary of its revolution with far less of the usual U.S. flag burning https://t.co/oKYmG3xQVD pic.twitter.com/1LjYIWpI1v
— New York Times World (@nytimesworld) February 10, 2017
38th anniversary of the Islamic revolution today #Bahman22 pic.twitter.com/V3JO7UzFdi
— IranTalks (@IranTalks) February 10, 2017
The good, the bad and the ugly at today's revolution anniversary in #Tehran. pic.twitter.com/wH4Z7K8ZSK
— Sanam Shantyaei (@SanamF24) February 10, 2017
That's new at Islamic revolution anniversary rally: DOWN WITH US REGIME, LONG LIVE US PEOPLE pic.twitter.com/YONq7LyaEl
— Sobhan Hassanvand (@Hassanvand) February 10, 2017
The poster in the center reads "Who is the real super power?" and "May God awaken those who dream of America."
Photo from Anniversary of Iran Revolution pic.twitter.com/9nHSEqMEQm
— varujean avanessian (@pandagulu) February 10, 2017
Marchers take selfies w/ US flag at Islamic revolution anniversary rally pic.twitter.com/p70h0yzDKd
— Sobhan Hassanvand (@Hassanvand) February 10, 2017
#Photos: #IslamicRevolution anniv. rallies underway in #Tehranhttps://t.co/5JByp0CgIX#Bahman22 pic.twitter.com/8P5ggpugCM
— Iran (@Iran) February 10, 2017
📹 American🇺🇸, Israeli🇮🇱 flags set on fire at Islamic revolution anniversary rally in Tehran
— Sobhan Hassanvand (@Hassanvand) February 10, 2017
Chants: Death to US, death to UK pic.twitter.com/F3wwrlnumB
Dressed as American diplomats holding torn #JCPOA at Iran's revolution anniversary rally in Tehran pic.twitter.com/lfcOptlD2U
— Sobhan Hassanvand (@Hassanvand) February 10, 2017
"Thanks to #American-s supporting Muslims"
— Ali Gholizadeh (@aqolizadeh) February 10, 2017
Posters & Placards in today's #Bahman22 rally #Tehran, #Iran.#LoveBeyondFlags pic.twitter.com/wxWEYcpPs2
Free polish for marchers on US flag at 38th anniversary of Iran's Islamic revolution rally pic.twitter.com/8liRF3mXnp
— Sobhan Hassanvand (@Hassanvand) February 10, 2017
President Hassan Rouhani: "Those who threaten our government and armed forces should know that the Iranian nation is integrated and vigilant and will stand against the enemies forever. We are not seeking tension in the region and the world but will stand against those who want to take advantage of our country."
#Iran : Millions Mark Islamic Revolution in #Tehran [PHOTOS]https://t.co/xdy2uivRYb pic.twitter.com/K0IFktbNiU
— Fars News Agency (@EnglishFars) February 10, 2017
#Iran leader's son Mojtaba #Khamenei today in the rally in #Tehran marking the 38th anniversary of 1979 Islamic Revolution. pic.twitter.com/ECFp1tv2UN
— Abas Aslani (@AbasAslani) February 10, 2017
The head of the Revolutionary Guards' elite Qods Force, Qassem Soleimani, attended the march as well.
#Iran's #IRGC Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani today in the rally in #Tehran marking the 38th anniversary of 1979 Islamic Revolution. pic.twitter.com/CaGqXKXz84
— Abas Aslani (@AbasAslani) February 10, 2017