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Iranian military forces gathered in a solemn ceremony at Ayatollah Khomeini’s shrine in southern Tehran on February 1, marking the 47th anniversary of the late religious leader’s return from exile during the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

The annual commemoration honors the pivotal moment when Khomeini returned to Iran after years in exile, eventually leading to the overthrow of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Western-backed Shah of Iran. This year’s ceremony takes on heightened significance amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States.

Military personnel performed ceremonial duties at the shrine, a massive complex that serves as both a memorial and a powerful symbol of the Islamic Republic’s founding principles. The site regularly hosts state ceremonies and continues to draw pilgrims and supporters of the revolutionary government established nearly five decades ago.

The anniversary celebrations come at a particularly tense moment in Iran’s relations with the West, especially the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump has recently threatened military action against Iran, citing concerns over the country’s nuclear program and the government’s harsh response to recent domestic protests.

Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain a flashpoint in international relations. Despite the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) that limited Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, relationships have deteriorated following the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement under the previous administration. Efforts to revive the deal have faced numerous obstacles, with both sides maintaining firm positions on conditions for returning to compliance.

The ceremony also unfolds against the backdrop of recent anti-government demonstrations that have been met with forceful suppression by Iranian authorities. Human rights organizations have documented numerous casualties during these crackdowns, drawing international condemnation and further complicating Iran’s diplomatic standing.

Regional experts note that these commemorative events serve multiple purposes for the Iranian regime. Beyond celebrating the revolution’s history, they function as displays of national unity and military readiness during times of external pressure.

“These ceremonies help the government reinforce its revolutionary legitimacy, especially when facing internal dissent and external threats,” explained Dr. Sanam Vakil, Deputy Director of the Middle East North Africa program at Chatham House. “The visual connection between today’s military and the revolution’s founding ideology sends a powerful message about continuity and resilience.”

The 1979 Revolution fundamentally reshaped Iran’s political landscape, transforming the country from a monarchy with close Western ties to an Islamic Republic often at odds with the United States and its allies. Khomeini’s vision of an Islamic government guided by religious principles has endured, though not without challenges from both reformist elements within Iran and international pressure.

Economic difficulties resulting from sanctions have contributed to periodic unrest in recent years, creating tension between the revolutionary ideals celebrated at ceremonies like this and the daily realities faced by many Iranian citizens.

The military presence at the shrine underscores the Revolutionary Guards’ significant role in both defending the country and preserving the revolution’s legacy. Since its establishment, the Guards have evolved from a ideologically-driven security force into a powerful institution with extensive influence in Iran’s political, economic, and military spheres.

As Iran navigates these complex challenges, the annual commemoration serves as a reminder of the revolution’s enduring impact on the country’s identity and position in global affairs. For supporters, it represents the continuation of a righteous path toward independence and Islamic governance. For critics, both domestic and international, it symbolizes the persistence of an authoritarian system resistant to change.

The ceremony concluded with traditional revolutionary chants and prayers for the nation’s continued sovereignty in the face of external pressures—a ritual that bridges Iran’s revolutionary past with its contested present.