Iran marks anniversary of 1979 takeover of U.S. Embassy
The Hindu
The government-organized commemoration, long a venue for voicing anti-Western sentiment, typically draws angry crowds each year.
Thousands of Iranians gathered on Tehran streets on November 4 for the anniversary of the 1979 seizure of the U.S. Embassy, chanting “Death to America" and "Death to Israel," and burning American and Israeli flags. The embassy takeover triggered a 444-day hostage crisis and break in diplomatic relations that continues to this day.
The government-organized commemoration, long a venue for voicing anti-Western sentiment, typically draws angry crowds each year. Last year, authorities cancelled the event due to the still-raging coronavirus pandemic but on November 4, state TV said that 800 cities across Iran staged demonstrations.
Protesters hoisted an effigy of U.S. President Joe Biden wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the Star of David, drops of red paint dripping from its mouth.