Millions of Iranians marking 1979 Revolution anniv.

Millions have attended nationwide demonstrations in Iran to mark the 35th anniversary of the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

On Tuesday, the country witnessed nationwide demonstrations in celebration of the victory that put an end to the monarchical rule of the US-backed Pahlavi regime.

By attending the rallies, the demonstrators reaffirmed their allegiance to the ideals of the Islamic Revolution and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the late founder of the Islamic Republic.

The day, the 22nd of the month of Bahman on the solar calendar, coincides with a definitive end to the rule of the monarchical Pahlavi regime and thus an end to the 2,500 years of monarchical rule in the country. The Islamic Revolution, under the leadership of Imam Khomeini, established a new political system based on Islamic values and democracy.

Fireworks and colorful illuminations brightened the nights of many Iranian cities on the eve of the demonstrations.

The demonstrations were also joined by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who is scheduled to deliver a speech on the occasion, as well as Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Asked what was the main message of the Iranian nation today to the outside world, Zarif told Press TV, "Well, I think the main message is that these people are supportive of their government, that these people are supportive of their revolution, that these people stand behind their rights, that nobody can deprive them of their rights, that these people deserve respect and demand respect and nobody can deal with them in any way other than respect."

He said, "The people of Iran, in the elections, which had a similar turnout, you see the turnout today, we had the similar turnout in the election representing the most democratic form of self-determination. They showed that they are determined to find their way, to have their voice heard in the world and today, they're showing that, although, they want cooperation, although, they have no quarrel with anybody, but they will not accept anybody trampling upon their right, they will not accept anybody demanding from them things that are outside the international norms of behavior. So, it's a combination of messages that they've been sending to the world that these people want constructive interaction, based on mutual respect, based on equal footing, and based on mutuality of interest."

"...there maybe quarters in various parts of the world that they have difficulties with the Iranian nation, but these are peace-loving people...they present no threat, but they want to determine their own destiny. If people are not used to Iranians' determining their destiny, if people are not used to nations' standing up for their rights then they'd better get used to it, because I think, this huge participation and presence of the Iranian people cannot be put down through rhetoric and pressure."

Asked what would be the impact of the millions-strong presence of people on the streets in support of the Islamic Revolution on the nuclear talks, the Iranian foreign minister said, "It encourages us to continue to insist on the rights of these people and, at the same time, to try to remove all obstacles to constructive interaction with the rest of the world...."

The event is the culmination of 10 days of celebrations which starts on February 1.
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