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Photos: Iran marks US embassy takeover with rallies against US, Israel
Thousands marched through central Tehran on Wednesday to mark the 1979 takeover of the US embassy, burning US and Israeli flags and chanting slogans against both countries. Iranian officials used the anniversary to claim the US and Israel had been defeated in war and politics, as tensions remain high after the recent conflict.
The embassy takeover began on 4 November 1979, when Iranian students seized 52 American diplomats and citizens, holding them for 444 days; the crisis helped end formal diplomatic relations between Tehran and Washington. This year’s rallies followed a war launched by the US and Israel on 28 February that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and disrupted energy markets and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani linked US political setbacks to Iran’s strength, while judiciary chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehi said Donald Trump had failed in both war and politics.
In short
- Tehran rallies marked the 1979 US embassy takeover.
- Protesters burned US and Israeli flags.
- Iranian officials claimed recent defeats for Washington and Israel.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of the rallies may see the embassy takeover anniversary as a defence of Iran’s sovereignty and a public rejection of US and Israeli military action, especially after a conflict that killed Iran’s leader and intensified regional insecurity. They may argue that the demonstrations give people a visible way to express national solidarity and condemn policies they regard as threats to Iran.
The case against
Critics may argue that celebrating the hostage-taking of 52 people for 444 days glorifies a serious violation of their rights and deepens hostility rather than advancing Iran’s security. They may also contend that officials’ claims of victory use a commemorative rally to promote state messaging while overlooking the conflict’s human and economic costs.
Explained simply
The US embassy takeover began on 4 November 1979, months after Iran’s revolution replaced the monarchy with an Islamic republic. Iranian students seized 52 American diplomats and citizens and held them for 444 days, a crisis that helped end formal diplomatic relations between Iran and the United States.
Since then, the two countries have had no formal diplomatic ties, and disputes over influence and security have continued. Israel is also a longstanding adversary of Iran, while the Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for global oil and shipping, making conflict in the region significant beyond the countries directly involved.