Iranians celebrate 42nd anniversary of Islamic Revolution across nation

Iranians across the country are celebrating the 42nd anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, which toppled the US-backed Pahlavi regime in 1979.

The occasion is usually commemorated by nationwide mass rallies, but this year, the ceremonies are taking place with physical distancing due to the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

The celebrations began in the capital, Tehran, and other cities at 10:00 a.m. local time (0630 GMT) on Wednesday, with the participants driving their cars, motorcycles and bicycles.

The vehicles were decorated with slogans as well as the images of Imam Khomeini, the late founder of the Islamic Republic, and Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the top Iranian anti-terror commander, who was assassinated by the US, last year.

More than 6,000 Iranian and some 200 foreign journalists, photographers and cameramen are covering the event.

During the processions in Tehran, ballistic missiles belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), namely Zolfaqar-e Basir, Qiam and Dezful, were also put on display at the iconic Azadi (freedom) Square, in a show of power.

On February 1, 1979, the late Imam Khomeini- Father of the Islamic Revolution and Founder of the Islamic Republic- returned to Iran after a 15-year exile. His return led to the victory of the Islamic Revolution only ten days later. The period has been termed as Ten-Day Fajr (Dawn) in Iran.

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