Iran Marks US Embassy Takeover Anniversary with Nationwide Rallies and Official Defiance

Nationwide Commemorations Mark 'National Day of Fighting Global Arrogance'

Across the Islamic Republic of Iran, millions participated in state-organized rallies on November 4, marking the annual commemoration of the 1979 US Embassy takeover in Tehran. The day, officially known as the 'National Day of Fighting Global Arrogance' and 'National Student Day', saw large crowds gather to express anti-US and anti-Israel sentiments.

In the capital, Tehran, participants convened at Palestine Square before marching towards the former US Embassy compound, now referred to as the 'Den of Espionage'. Similar demonstrations were reported in cities and towns across the country, drawing diverse participants including students, university youth, families, public employees, and members of the military. State and military officials also joined the marches.

Historical Context: The 1979 Embassy Takeover

The annual event commemorates the seizure of the US Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, by a group of Iranian students following the Islamic Revolution. During the incident, 52 American diplomats and citizens were held hostage for 444 days, leading to the rupture of diplomatic ties between Tehran and Washington. The students' action was a protest against Washington's acceptance of Mohammad-Reza Shah, whose monarchy had been toppled earlier that year.

The event is viewed in Iran as a symbol of resistance against foreign influence and a pivotal moment in the country's post-revolutionary history.

Supreme Leader Defends Event Amid Heightened Tensions

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei defended the 1979 embassy takeover as a 'day of pride and triumph' for the nation. Addressing students and officials, Khamenei stated that the event should be understood 'from both a historical and an identity-based perspective', calling it a 'day of honor, a day of victory'. He asserted that the takeover revealed the 'true identity of the United States' and demonstrated 'the essence of America's arrogance'. Khamenei linked anti-US sentiment to Iran's modern history, citing the 1953 CIA-backed coup that overthrew Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh.

Khamenei reiterated that hostility between the Islamic Republic and the United States is 'intrinsic' and cannot be resolved through negotiation. He stated that any future cooperation with Washington would only be 'considerable in a distant future' and contingent on the United States completely withdrawing its military presence from the Middle East and ending support for Israel.

This year's commemorations occurred amidst heightened regional tensions, marking the first such events since the United States and Israel carried out airstrikes on Iranian targets earlier in the year. A 12-day conflict in June saw nuclear facilities bombed, resulting in over 1,000 casualties. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as 'Death to America' and 'Death to Israel', carrying banners criticizing Washington's foreign policies and expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people. Visual displays at the rallies included mock-ups of Iranian ballistic missiles and nuclear centrifuges, symbolizing the country's technological progress and deterrent capability.

International Reactions and Ongoing Standoff

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf delivered a keynote address in Tehran, stating that the anniversary represents Iran's resolve to remain independent and oppose what he termed foreign power control. He declared the nation's independence 'will not be sold for any concession' and clarified that the 'Death to America' slogan signifies 'rejection of hegemony, not hostility toward the American people'.

The United States, on its part, condemned Iran's record on international law and human rights on the anniversary. The US State Department stated that the embassy takeover marked the beginning of 'countless violations of international law and the Iranian regime's refusal to accept diplomacy'.