The Narrative Shift: Regime’s Propaganda Post-January 2026

Iran-PoIitics-Anniversary: Celebrations as Propaganda

On February 11, 2026, Iran marked the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution—a pivotal event that transformed the country from a monarchy under the Pahlavi dynasty to an Islamic Republic led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The regime orchestrated elaborate celebrations across Tehran and other major cities, serving both as a commemoration of revolutionary ideals and as a powerful propaganda display to reinforce loyalty to the current leadership.

Military and Security Presence

A member of the security forces stands guard during a rally in Tehran, underscoring the regime’s emphasis on maintaining order and projecting strength. The anniversary event in Tehran, captured by AFP via Getty Images, features a heavy security presence, symbolizing the regime’s assertion that stability is maintained through control and authority. The image of armed personnel guarding the proceedings conveys a message of resilience and readiness to suppress dissent, especially in a year marked by internal unrest and external pressures.

Symbolism and Commemoration

The celebrations celebrate the overthrow of the Pahlavi dynasty and the establishment of the Islamic Republic. The Persian calendar date, Bahman 22, marks the day Ayatollah Khomeini and his followers seized power. The regime uses these commemorations to evoke revolutionary pride, emphasizing the success of their political system and ideology.

February 11, 2026 | 6:04 pm