Iran Marks 47th Anniversary of 1979 Revolution Amid Crackdown and Tensions with US

The commemoration highlighted Iran's internal divisions as the country faces anger over a bloody crackdown on protests and ongoing nuclear negotiations with the US.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Iran marked the 47th anniversary of its 1979 Islamic Revolution on Wednesday, with state media showing large pro-government rallies across the country. However, the celebrations were overshadowed by public anger over Tehran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests last month, which killed thousands and saw tens of thousands detained, according to activists. Meanwhile, Iran's president said the country is willing to negotiate over its nuclear program as fledgling talks with the US hang in the balance, though the UN nuclear watchdog has been unable to verify Iran's nuclear stockpile for months.

Why it matters

The commemoration of the 1979 revolution highlighted the internal divisions within Iran, as the government faces growing public anger over its heavy-handed response to recent protests, as well as ongoing tensions with the US over Iran's nuclear program. The outcome of the nuclear negotiations could have major implications for regional stability in the Middle East.

The details

During the commemoration, Iranian state TV broadcast images of large pro-government rallies across the country, with participants burning American flags and chanting "Death to America." However, the night before, witnesses reported hearing shouts of "Death to the dictator" from homes in the capital, Tehran, as government-sponsored fireworks lit the sky. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian insisted that Iran is willing to negotiate over its nuclear program, but said the "high wall of mistrust" with the US and Europe makes it difficult for the talks to reach a conclusion. Meanwhile, a senior Iranian security official visited Qatar and Oman, likely to discuss the nuclear negotiations.

  • The commemoration of the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution took place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The violent crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran occurred in January 2026.

The players

Masoud Pezeshkian

The president of Iran who spoke at the anniversary ceremony and said Iran is willing to negotiate over its nuclear program.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The 86-year-old Supreme Leader of Iran, who was supported by the pro-government rallies.

Reza Pahlavi

The exiled crown prince of Iran, who had been calling for anti-government protests.

Ali Larijani

A senior Iranian security official who met with officials in Qatar and Oman to discuss the nuclear negotiations.

Brad Cooper

The head of the American military's Central Command, which covers the Middle East, whose picture was displayed on a fake coffin during the commemoration.

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What they’re saying

“I am here to say we don't stop supporting our leader and our country as the Americans and Israelis are increasingly threatening us.”

— Reza Jedi, 43-year-old participant

“We are ashamed before the people, and we are obligated to assist all those who were harmed in these incidents. We are not seeking confrontation with the people.”

— Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran

“Last time we negotiated, last June, we were in the middle of negotiation then they decided to attack us and that was a very, very bad experience for us. We need to make sure that that scenario is not repeated and this is mostly up to America.”

— Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister (RT)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This commemoration of the 1979 revolution highlighted the deep divisions within Iran, as the government faces public anger over its violent crackdown on protests and ongoing tensions with the US over the nuclear program. The outcome of the nuclear negotiations could have major implications for regional stability in the Middle East.