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Thousands gathered at Tehran's Azadi Square to mark the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, showcasing strong pro-regime mobilisation. The massive turnout comes amid heightened tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel.
People gather near Azadi Tower during the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran.
UPDATED: Feb 12, 2026 00:09 IST
Thousands of people gathered at Tehran’s iconic Azadi Square on the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, in what turned out to be a massive show of strength by pro-regime supporters amid heightened tensions with the United States and Israel.
India Today reporting from ground zero in Tehran, the situation on the ground remained calm but heavily monitored. Large crowds, many carrying Iranian flags and posters of the Supreme Leader, assembled at the square — a historic site associated with the 1979 revolution.
MASSIVE PRO-REGIME RALLY
The anniversary celebrations witnessed significant mobilisation by groups backing the Iranian regime. Families, women and children attended the rally, underscoring what authorities projected as popular support for the government.
The people on the streets have been saying that the Iranian regime is "very strong" compared to the American administration.
Security deployment remained visibly high. Surveillance increased across Tehran, particularly around key installations and public squares. The report noted that forces linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were deployed in large numbers in and around the capital, even as Iran maintained close watch on its border areas.
Iranian officials made it clear that they are prepared for any escalation. According to the report, the government stated that its “hand is on the trigger,” signalling readiness to retaliate if attacked.
IRAN BRACES AMID US-ISRAEL TENSIONS
The anniversary comes at a time when tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated, with renewed threats of regime change and continued friction over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
Iranian authorities have expressed apprehension over talks scheduled between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Tehran fears that the meeting could shape a tougher joint stance against Iran.
Iran has maintained that while it is willing to discuss its nuclear programme, it will not negotiate on its ballistic missile capabilities. Although a first round of negotiations between US and Iranian delegations took place in Oman recently, no concrete outcome emerged.
MESSAGE AGAINST REGIME CHANGE NARRATIVE
The large turnout on Day also appeared aimed at countering Western narratives of internal dissent and regime instability.
The Iranian government sought to demonstrate that “there is a strong will of people that is supporting the regime, the supreme leader, the current government.” The crowd size this year appeared significantly higher compared to previous years, a move seen as a response to repeated calls for regime change.
As tensions simmer, Tehran remains on alert. While officials stress that Iran does not seek war, they have reiterated that any attack by the US or Israel will invite a response.
For now, the streets of Tehran, especially Azadi Square, reflect a carefully choreographed show of unity, even as the region watches closely for the next move in the US-Iran-Israel standoff.
- Ends
With inputs from Sumit Simsat
Published By:
Akshat Trivedi
Published On:
Feb 12, 2026
