Iranian authorities today called on the people to demonstrate en masse to fight against hostile “conspiracies”, more than two weeks after the start of the war with Israel and the US and just before the festivities associated with the Persian New Year.
The call, via local media, calls on Iranians to join their religious leaders in all city squares this afternoon in a “popular mobilization aimed at overthrowing the “possible plots of Zionist enemies” – a reference to the state of Israel, which is not recognized by Tehran.
Earlier, Israel said its forces had killed National Security Service chief Ali Larijani, information that has not been confirmed by Tehran.
Tonight Iran celebrates Shaharshanbe Suri, a “fire and light” event ahead of the New Year’s Day that falls next Friday.
Opposition leader Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah toppled by the Islamic Revolution, also called on Iranians to celebrate Shaharshanbe Suri peacefully and asked them to avoid “tensions, confrontation, and even approaching security forces” on the streets.
Since the start of the war, in a country rocked by massive anti-regime protests in recent months, authorities have warned against anti-government rallies and are enforcing tight security measures. The judicial authorities in Tehran warned residents the day before yesterday, Sunday, not to take to the streets for Shaharshanbe Suri, as is their custom. “To preserve peace and public safety, avoid lighting fires or fireworks,” they said, according to Tasnim news agency.
Shortly earlier, however, Iranian officials called on citizens to participate en masse in the funerals of the 84 sailors killed off Sri Lanka when their frigate was sunk by a US submarine.
