Iran’s Regime Declares Any Strike Will Be Treated as War at Revolution Rally

Thousands gathered Wednesday in Tehran’s Azadi Square to mark the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, as senior Iranian leaders attended a state-organized rally that featured mock coffins of American commanders, flag burnings and renewed warnings over missile negotiations.

Iranian officials used the stage to reiterate that the country’s missile program is not subject to negotiations and warned that any military strike would trigger broader conflict.

President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the crowd in Tehran, saying, “We are ashamed before the people. We are committed, and all those who were harmed during these events - we will serve them and continue to serve. We are ready to listen to the voice of the people. We do not intend to confront them. The attempt by enemies to create a deep wound in society and deepen the divide is not in our interest.”

Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Mousavi was present at the march, along with IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour and Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani.

Among the most prominent displays were mock coffins draped in American flags bearing the images of senior U.S. military officials, including Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, Gen. Randy A. George, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, and Curtis R. Bass, identified as a senior CENTCOM official. The coffins were presented as part of parade exhibits directed at the Pentagon leadership.

Israeli media also reported that one display showed U.S. President Donald Trump depicted as hanging in a staged installation at the rally. The image showed Trump suspended as part of the exhibit area set up along the parade route.

Trump hanging (Photo used in accordance with 27a)

During the march, demonstrators burned Israeli and American flags while chanting “Death to America and Israel” and repeated cries of “Death to Israel.” In another installation, participants set fire to a horned statue described as demonic, with the word “Baal” inscribed on it and Israeli flags affixed around it.

Iran also showcased remnants of drones it claims were shot down during the June 2025 conflict, presenting them in the streets of Tehran as symbols of what officials described as the “absolute victory” of the Iranian people in the “War of 12 Days.” Iranian authorities say the fragments belonged to Israeli Air Force unmanned aerial vehicles.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said during the events, “No one can cause even the slightest damage to our missiles. Our missiles are not a subject for negotiation and will not be.”

Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s defense council, warned, “The commanders of the armed forces, at different times and in different frameworks, have said that if there is any military strike against Iran, any such strike - yes, even a limited one - will be considered the start of war. This war will not be confined to a small geographic area or to only two adversaries, because a war in such a region, by its nature, is not merely a military matter. It can certainly affect many actors and impact the lives of all humanity.”

Addressing ongoing diplomatic contacts, Shamkhani added, “Take into account, objectively, the negotiation track that has begun. The enemies follow it dishonestly and with bad intentions. Once again they raise the missile issue. This is a matter that is not within the authority of the negotiations.” He continued, “Alongside the negotiations, other measures are also being prepared. Will this affect the negotiations? This is a typical American approach, intended to prepare the ground for negotiations.”

Araghchi called for domestic cohesion, saying, “We must unite. We must stand together, under the leadership of the Supreme Leader, against all these attacks, stand with strength and stand in unity.”