Fars News Agency reported that the number of participants in the large-scale 22 Bahman rallies across the country was estimated between 23 and 26 million, marking a 53 percent increase compared to last year.
Media reports highlighted what they described as the epic presence of the Iranian people, portraying it as a sign of unity and social cohesion. The extensive coverage of the rallies made headlines across the region, while political leaders and foreign ministers from various countries issued messages congratulating the Iranian government and people on the anniversary.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message congratulating the President, government, and people of Iran on the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, as well as the King and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, also extended their congratulations in separate messages.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan congratulated Iran on the occasion and expressed hope for stronger neighborly relations between the two countries. In addition, Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry, and Venezuela’s Foreign Minister also sent congratulatory messages.
Silence of Opposition Media and Broader Global Coverage
Despite the scale and significance of the 22 Bahman rallies, some opposition media outlets were reported to have downplayed or ignored the event. However, aside from outlets such as Iran International and the BBC, many international media organizations covered different aspects of the rallies.
Reuters reported on the enthusiastic participation of Iranians and published images from the marches.
The New York Times wrote that despite the presence of U.S. naval forces in the region, Iranians marked the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution with large-scale rallies nationwide.
The Independent referred to the slogans chanted by participants and the presence of images of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Imam Khomeini alongside Iranian flags.
Russia’s RIA Novosti published a photo report highlighting the scale of the rallies.
China’s official Xinhua News Agency wrote that the ceremonies were held with widespread public participation on the anniversary of the revolution.
In Russia, RT and Sputnik described the rallies as one of Iran’s most important annual political events and republished speeches and messages from Iranian officials.
The Associated Press (AP) reported on rallies held in Tehran and other cities, noting that participants gathered in the streets to commemorate the 1979 revolution. ABC News and U.S. News & World Report also covered the speeches and slogans through reports and images.
In Europe, France 24 aired a visual report from Tehran, showcasing the atmosphere of the event and the gathering in Azadi Square. Deutsche Welle (DW) also examined the historical background and dimensions of the occasion.
Coverage in Arab, Asian, and Afghan Media
Arab media outlets also widely covered the rallies. Al Jazeera reported on the large turnout across various cities. Al Mayadeen and Al Manar broadcast live images, describing the rallies as an “annual display of popular support.”
Al Alam network and Iraqi media outlets, including Al-Ahed, also published reports on the event.
In South Asia, Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper described the anniversary as one of Iran’s most important political occasions. Other Pakistani outlets, including The News International, also reflected related developments.
Afghan media likewise reported on the 22 Bahman rallies, while social media users in Kabul, Herat, and Mazar-e-Sharif shared images and videos in response to the event.
The 22 Bahman (February 11) rally is held annually to commemorate the victory of the Islamic Revolution. Its global media reflection demonstrates the continued attention of international public opinion and news institutions to political developments in Iran.
