TEHRAN – Iranians on Tuesday commemorated the anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, an annual event symbolizing defiance against American influence. This year’s commemoration carried added significance — it was the first since the U.S. bombed Iran’s nuclear sites during a 12-day war with Israel in June.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered at the former embassy compound in downtown Tehran, chanting “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” while burning U.S. and Israeli flags. Effigies of U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were also hanged by protesters. State media reported similar rallies in cities across Iran.
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The demonstrations featured mock-ups of Iranian missiles inscribed with anti-American slogans and replicas of uranium centrifuges, symbolizing the country’s continued resistance amid mounting international pressure.
Addressing the main rally, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf accused the U.S. and Israel of targeting Iranian scientists in an effort to undermine Iran’s sovereignty. “The West opposes an independent, integrated, and powerful Iran,” he declared, referring to the former U.S. embassy as a ‘den of spies’.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reiterated on Monday that there would be no normalization of ties with Washington, a message echoed across banners and chants at the rallies.
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The commemoration follows months of tension after Israel’s June airstrikes killed over 1,100 Iranians, including senior military officials and nuclear scientists, prompting U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iran’s subsequent missile barrage on Israel killed 28 people, marking one of the most intense confrontations between the nations in recent years.
Following the conflict, Iran suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and continues to enrich uranium up to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade levels. The United Nations reimposed sanctions in September, freezing Iranian assets abroad and curbing its ballistic missile development.
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Despite Western concerns, Tehran insists its nuclear program remains peaceful, while maintaining its stance of resistance against what it calls foreign aggression.