In Iran, thousands of government supporters took to the streets across the country to mark the anniversary of the 1979 revolution, according to the regime. In the capital Tehran, state television showed crowds of people on the major traffic routes in the city center. The state media usually publish exact participant numbers throughout the day.
Traditionally, the state also displayed military equipment. Among other things, mobile truck launching pads with dummy ballistic missiles could be seen on the streets, as images from pro-government media showed.
On Tuesday evening, supporters of the Islamic Republic shouted “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest) over the rooftops of the metropolis. The expression became the symbolic cry of the revolution against the Shah’s rule in 1979. This year, the anniversary is overshadowed by the brutal suppression of mass protests at the beginning of January. “Death to the dictator” was also echoed from the houses – a reference to Iran’s religious leader and head of state Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to a media report, US President Donald Trump is considering sending another aircraft carrier to the region in the conflict with Iran. “We have a fleet on the way, and another could follow,” the online portal “Axios” quoted from an interview with the Republican. At the same time, Trump confirmed that the USA could conclude an agreement with Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to the USA for talks with US President Donald Trump. Before his departure, the head of government said that the meeting on Wednesday in Washington would cover several topics, including the situation in the Gaza Strip and the region and, above all, negotiations with Iran. According to media reports, he would explain to Trump Israel’s views on the talks with the Islamic Republic. These are not only important for Israel, “but for everyone who wants peace and security.”
Israeli newspaper Yediot Achronot reported that Netanyahu is expected to share with Trump current intelligence information about Iran’s missile program, as well as the regime’s massacre of its own citizens. It also said Netanyahu would also warn Trump that Tehran was developing long-range missiles that could hit the United States. It is the seventh meeting between the two politicians since Trump took office.
Israel demands that any agreement between the US and Iran must also include a limit on ballistic missiles and an end to support for Iranian allies in the region. The Jewish state sees the Iranian nuclear and missile program as its greatest existential threat.
