Iran has commemorated the 46th anniversary of the establishment of the Islamic Republic following a historic referendum, in which Iranians voted overwhelmingly in favor of departure from monarchical rule weeks after the collapse of the US-backed Pahlavi regime.
In a landmark two-day referendum held on March 30-31, 1979, more than 98.2 percent of eligible Iranians voted “yes” to the establishment of an Islamic Republic in the country.
The vote, which was held less than two months after the victory of the Islamic Revolution, is considered a turning point in the modern history of Iran.
Since then, the nation annually celebrates Farvardin 12 (April 1) on the Iranian calendar as the Islamic Republic Day.
The Islamic Revolution, led by the late Imam Khomeini, culminated in the overthrow of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and put an end to 2,500 years of monarchical rule in Iran.
The Islamic Republic was established in Iran in line with the popular motto of the 1979 Islamic Revolution that called for “Independence, Freedom and the Islamic Republic” for the country.
This file photo shows a polling station packed with eligible Iranians waiting to vote for the establishment of an Islamic Republic in the country during the two-day referendum held on March 30-31, 1979.IRGC lauds Iranian achievements despite plots
In a statement on Monday, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) praised the sacrifices of the Iranian nation in promoting the 1979 Islamic Revolution’s achievements despite Western intrigues over the past decades.
The IRGC pointed to the institutionalization of Islamic independence and freedom, anti-imperialism spirit in the country, national dignity and the removal of humiliation caused by foreign domination and the dependency of the Pahlavi regime, increased political awareness among the Iranians alongside the growth and development of science and technology in various strategic fields, especially in the defense and deterrence sector as some of the achievements of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The statement also praised the formation of an Iranian Islamic identity, the expansion of hope, vitality, unity, and national integrity as well as the flourishing of self-belief and self-reliance, the emergence of human talents and historical figures over the past 46 years.
“The glorious ascent of Iran to a prominent regional position and its influence in shaping Islamic awakening and resistance, the shattering of the arrogance of imperialism and the emergence of courage to confront the oppressive powers of the world in other societies and nations, the dismantling of the dividing lines between the oppressor and the oppressed, the flourishing of religion and faith in the world and the resonance of the discourse on justice and victimhood in major global forums, and the emergence of hope in the hearts of the oppressed and the downtrodden are among the significant achievements of the Islamic Republic on an international scale is something that should not be allowed to be forgotten or downplayed in the face of the enemy's media propaganda,” the statement noted.