Mass rally in Tehran on anniversary of U.S. embassy takeover
- 11 years ago
In Tehran, the anniversary of the 1979 U.S. embassy takeover always sounds like this…
…thousands rallying outside the former U.S. diplomatic compound to chant 'Death to America'.
But this year's annual demonstration, on Monday, was also a barometer of opposition to moderate President Hassan Rouhani.
He's been trying to ease tensions with Washington…and conservatives are suspicious.
(SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE STUDENT PROTESTER, SAYING:
"With this 'down with the USA' we prove that we're standing by the oppressed and we will fight the foreign adversaries."
(SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE STUDENT PROTESTER, SAYING:
"I love my country, I'm Iranian, I won't let any invader set foot in my country, I won't let them in."
As if to counter some of the antagonism of Monday's rally, authorities in Tehran started taking down anti-American murals in the capitol last month.
A friendly gesture towards Iran's long-term rival.
…thousands rallying outside the former U.S. diplomatic compound to chant 'Death to America'.
But this year's annual demonstration, on Monday, was also a barometer of opposition to moderate President Hassan Rouhani.
He's been trying to ease tensions with Washington…and conservatives are suspicious.
(SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE STUDENT PROTESTER, SAYING:
"With this 'down with the USA' we prove that we're standing by the oppressed and we will fight the foreign adversaries."
(SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE STUDENT PROTESTER, SAYING:
"I love my country, I'm Iranian, I won't let any invader set foot in my country, I won't let them in."
As if to counter some of the antagonism of Monday's rally, authorities in Tehran started taking down anti-American murals in the capitol last month.
A friendly gesture towards Iran's long-term rival.