In a message posted on X on Tuesday, Esmaeil Baqaei reflected on the historical significance of 13th of Aban (November 4), describing it as a day that commemorates three decisive events in Iran’s modern history, namely the exile of Imam Khomeini following his opposition to the Capitulation Law, the killing of protesting students in 1978 during demonstrations against the monarchical regime, and the 1979 takeover of the US embassy in Tehran, which he said symbolized the Iranian nation’s protest against decades of foreign interference.
Baqaei stated that over the past three decades, one clear message has been repeatedly voiced --that the Iranian people are determined to protect their independence, dignity, and right to self-determination.
He further noted that in today’s world, where hegemonic ambitions and a sense of superiority are manifested through military aggression, breach of commitments, sanctions, economic pressure, and technological monopolies, the true meaning of resistance against arrogance lies in powerful defiance of coercion, along with adherence to justice, intellectual independence, and scientific and indigenous progress.
He concluded his message by honoring the memory of all those who stood for Iran’s independence, honor, and freedom.
Iranians commemorated the National Day of Fighting against Global Arrogance in countrywide rallies on November 4.
Demonstrators, mostly school and university students, expressed their opposition to the arrogant policies and attitudes of the enemies, particularly the US and the Zionist regime.
On November 4, 1979, and in less than a year after the victory of the Islamic Revolution that toppled a US-backed monarchy, Iranian university students who called themselves "students following the line of (the late) Imam (Khomeini)" seized the US embassy in Tehran, which had become a center of espionage and planning to overthrow the newly established Islamic system in Iran.
The students who seized the embassy later published documents proving that the compound was indeed engaged in plans and measures to overthrow the Islamic Republic.
Every year on the 13th day of the Iranian month of Aban, the Iranian nation, particularly the students, hold rallies across the country to mark the day.