Iran marked celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution on February 1st by beginning its traditional 10-day festivities.
The celebrations, known as the “10 days of Dawn”, began on 1st February, the date that Ayatollah Khomeini returned from exile, and ended on 11th February the date Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s government collapsed.
The Times reported that crowds of regime supporters were heard chanting “Death to Theresa May” during the celebrations. The Queen’s name also joined the list of foreign figures such as President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to be rebuked by the crowds.
Iranian state television showed crowds carrying Iranian flags, shouting “Death to Israel, Death to America”. The tradition amongst regime supporters of burning Israeli and American flags was hampered by torrential rain, which extinguished the flames.
The chants of “Death to America and Israel” were also heard, with their respective flags also being burnt.
President Hassan Rouhani delivered a speech to the crowd, where he insisted Iran’s military might and missile programme would continue to expand despite Western objections.
