A new revolutionary momentum in Iran
A new revolutionary momentum in Iran
TEHRAN – There’s a junction in east Tehran that, 47 years after the Islamic Revolution, locals still call 'Coca Cola Square.' Last night, however, as I passed through, the atmosphere told a powerful anti-Imperialist story: ordinary people, in a spontaneous display of grassroots anger, rising up against the U.S. and Israel, and standing firmly in support of Iran.
This was the scene I had also witnessed the night before at Poonak Square, west Tehran, that was a key stage of the January riots.
By assassinating Iran’s leader, Trump and Netanyahu have ignited a fury that has united millions. Major squares in Tehran and cities across the country are now filled with crowds every night chanting "Death to America", "Death to Israel" and "Death to the Traitors".
What may have been limited to mass state-organized demonstrations on national occasions has now become widespread and deeply personal nationwide movement. Those familiar with the U.S.-orchestrated coup of 1953 seem to have no desire to see history repeating itself.
"Tehran is not Damascus" I heard them chanting. There was no trace of the "opposition" that some predicted would welcome U.S. bombings. No signs of gratitude toward Trump. Not even the anti-government chants that could be heard from some windows during the protests.
In assassinating Ayatollah Khamenei, Trump has effectively unleashed the rage of masses who now have a Martyred Saint. After 1600 years, an Iranian leader has been killed by the enemy in combat; a heroic figure reminiscent of the mythical heros of classic Persian literature.
The assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei during the holy month of Ramadan also carries a profound resonance for Shi’ite Muslims inside Iran and across the world, evoking the martyrdom of Imam Ali—a figure revered as the embodiment of bravery, knowledge, and justice.
But the tragedy does not end there. Iran’s leader was killed alongside members of his family: his wife, his daughter, his son-in-law, and his 14-month-old granddaughter. This brutal loss echoes the tragedy of Karbala and the sacrifice of Imam Hussain: a story of unwavering faith and unspeakable suffering that has been commemorated by Shi’ite Muslims around the world for over 1,400 years. Millions of Iranians are now mourning Ayatollah Khamenei in the same discourse and themes that they have long mourned Imam Hussain.
In killing Ayatollah Khamenei, Trump has inadvertently created a new Revolutionary Momentum in Iran that has effectively wiped the anti-Islamic Republic sentiments off the streets. The Islamic Republic appears poised to emerge from this conflict much stronger than before.
Shahab Esfandiary is Associate Professor, Iran University of Arts.
source: tehrantimes.com