TEHRAN, Iran – Web Desk: Demonstrators in Tehran and other major Iranian cities set fire to a statue representing the ancient deity ‘Baal’ during official events marking the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Protesters also chanted slogans condemning Israel and the United States, in line with longstanding revolutionary traditions.
The symbolic act occurred during the annual “22 Bahman” celebrations, where thousands gathered to express support for Iran’s domestic and regional policies. The burned statue featured a Star of David and an image of former U.S. President Donald Trump, which protesters targeted in a display interpreted as defiance against Western powers and Israel.
Iranian state media described the statue as a representation of a historical deity, framing the burning as a gesture of resistance. Slogans such as “Death to Israel” and “Death to America” echoed through the crowds, reflecting a decades-old revolutionary narrative that forms a core part of Iran’s political and cultural identity.
This year’s anniversary comes amid strained relations with the United States and other Western nations, ongoing economic difficulties, and widespread domestic protests over recent months. Analysts note that while the demonstrations showcased strong governmental support, they also revealed public frustration and anger, highlighting the complex political environment in Iran today.
Officials emphasized that these annual gatherings serve both as a commemoration of the 1979 revolution and as a reinforcement of Iran’s current anti-Western policy stance, especially toward Israel and the U.S. The symbolic burning of the Baal statue continues a long tradition of using imagery and ceremonial acts to communicate political messages both domestically and internationally.
