Iran's Supreme Leader calls for public unity in February 11 marches

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has urged citizens to participate in rallies commemorating 22 Bahman, the February 11 anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, in a video message released on February 9, Iran International reports.

In the message, Khamenei emphasized the importance of public participation, stating that “today the Iranian nation shows itself through marches in the streets,” despite the official anniversary falling on February 11—a phrasing often used by Iranian state media to pre-frame turnout for the event.

He framed the events as a demonstration of national resolve, asserting that true strength derives from the will and unity of the people rather than military might. “National power has less to do with missiles and aircraft than with the will of nations and their resilience. You showed resilience, and you showed your will. You must show it again in other moments as well,” Khamenei said.

The video comes a day after Khamenei broke with a 37-year tradition by skipping the annual February 8 meeting with air force commanders, an absence that coincides with rising tensions between Iran and the United States.

By Vafa Guliyeva