Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged the public to take part in rallies marking the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, saying a strong turnout would “disappoint the enemy.” In a message ahead of February 11, Khamenei said public participation would demonstrate loyalty to the Islamic Republic and force adversaries to retreat.
He described the anniversary as a symbol of national independence and said Iran’s strength lies more in the will and determination of its people than in military hardware. Khamenei added that mass participation would frustrate United States and Israel and help protect Iran from external pressure.