Millions across Iran renew allegiance to new Leader at Ghadir celebrations

Millions of Iranians have poured onto the streets of Tehran and cities across the country for the annual "10-Kilometer Ghadir Celebration," using the occasion of one of Shia Islam's holiest holidays to renew their allegiance to new Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, and to demonstrate national unity amid ongoing terrorist war on Iran.

The festivities, which stretched from Imam Hossein Square to Azadi Square in the capital, transformed a major thoroughfare into the world's largest temporary street amusement park, complete with inflatable castles, children's play zones, and hundreds of cultural booths.

Similar events were held in more than 1,000 Iranian cities and 30 countries worldwide, according to Iranian media.

This year's celebration carried particular weight, taking place against the backdrop of the "third imposed war" — the ongoing US-Israeli terrorist war on Iran that began on February 28 with airstrikes that martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and more than 1,300 civilians in the initial days of the terrorist war.

Indian Muslims in Tehran join nightly rallies to show solidarity with Iran

Indian Muslims residing in Tehran has also joined nightly rallies to express solidarity with the Iranian people.

The event also coincided with the anniversary of the passing of the Islamic Republic's founder, Imam Khomeini, who passed away 37 years ago.

Crowds stretching from Imam Hossein Square to Azadi Square — a distance of approximately 10 kilometers — chanted "We are upon the covenant, Seyyed Mojtaba," a direct pledge of loyalty to the new leader, who was voted by the Assembly of Experts on March 8 following his father's assassination.

Many participants carried portraits of both the late Leader and his successor, alongside Iranian flags and banners supporting Hezbollah, that has been fighting Israeli forces along southern border since March 2.

Participants interviewed by Iranian media said their presence was both a mourning ritual and a political statement.

"From the very first night after the announcement of the tragic news [of Ayatollah Khamenei’s martyrdom], we were present in the gatherings," a Tehran resident said.

"The first reason for our presence is demanding revenge for the blood of the martyred Leader, and the second reason is demonstrating the power and national unity of the Iranian people against the ill-wishers and enemies of the system."

At Enqelab (Revolution) Square, a focal point of the celebrations, aerial footage showed a sea of people waving Iranian flags while chanting "Death to America" and "Death to Israel". Similar scenes were reported in Shiraz, Kerman, Ahvaz, Tabriz, Hamadan, Mashhad, and Ardabil.

The event was distinctly family-oriented, with organizers emphasizing entertainment for children alongside political messaging.

One teenage participant, described as a "2000s generation" youth, explained the motivation for his generation's turnout.

"In my opinion, the main reason for the strong presence of the people in the arena is adherence to the school of Shiism, Islam, and the values upon which the Islamic Republic was founded," he said.

"When we know a path is right, it is natural that we will remain in the arena to support it."

Throughout the celebrations, participants voiced explicit support for Hezbollah, which has been locked in daily battle with Israeli forces since March 2.

"We stand with Hezbollah until our last breath," a Tehran resident said. "You have shown loyalty over these years and never abandoned us. It would be dishonorable for us to abandon the resistance front and our brothers in Hezbollah during these difficult days."

The message of solidarity carried particular resonance given that this year's Ghadir celebrations followed a direct message from Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem to a conference in Mashhad on Tuesday.

Qassem described the current confrontation with Israel as "the most intense since the founding of the Islamic Resistance" and credited the late Ayatollah Khamenei with supporting Hezbollah since his time as president.

A bride and groom were seen participating in the festivities in their wedding attire.

The gathering served as a powerful demonstration of national unity and resilience, solidifying the new Leader's position in a time of profound challenge.

As night fell over Tehran, the crowds did not disperse. Gatherings continued past the official 8 p.m. end time, with participants remaining in the streets to mark 90 consecutive nights since the war at the "night of Ghadir".

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