- News code: 1261971
- Source: imam-khomeini.ir
The parades began countrywide on Sunday morning, marking the day when the regime of slain Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein launched a war on Iran 39 years ago.
Forces from the Iranian Army, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Police, Border Guards, and Basij are participating in the parades, which are being held in Tehran and 30 other provincial capitals, as well as in the waters of the Persian Gulf.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani delivered a speech before the parades began in Tehran, and Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani spoke at the stage in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas.
Surface, sub-surface, and hovercraft belonging to the Iranian Army and the IRGC are parading in the Persian Gulf. Above them will be flying Army fighter jets and helicopters and IRGC aircraft.
Iran’s first domestic fighter jet Kowsar will also be in flight.
In the Iranian capital, military aircraft will also be flown above the parade site.
Army and IRGC commandos will parachute down from aircraft both in Tehran and Bandar Abbas.
Iranian military might is being showcased at a time of tensions initiated by the United States and Saudi Arabia with Iran. The US has been attempting to put together a maritime coalition to sail in the Persian Gulf following accusations that Iran has sabotaged oil shipping in the waterway.
Tehran has rejected the accusations and said such a coalition will only ratchet up tensions in the region.
Saudi Arabia has said it will participate in the US-planned coalition. So far, only Britain has joined.
