Iranians Pledge Allegiance To New Supreme Leader At Mass Rallies

TEHRAN, April 30 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of Iranians took to the streets on Wednesday in mass rallies across the country to pledge allegiance to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and demonstrate national unity, reported Xinhua.

The rallies, held concurrently in different cities on the birthday anniversary of the eighth Imam of Shiite Muslims, Imam Reza, ran from 4.00 pm local time (12:30 GMT) to 9.00 pm (5:30 GMT).

In the capital Tehran, people marched from Imam Hossein Square to Azadi Square, waving Iranian flags and holding pictures of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a United States (US) and Israeli attack in late February, and the new leader.

Several officials, including Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani and Iran's Constitutional Council spokesman Hadi Tahan Naizf, joined the crowd.

The participants chanted slogans against the US and Israel and in support of Iran's Islamic establishment, and highlighted the necessity to maintain national unity.

A pavilion was set up along the route to commemorate those killed in a US and Israeli attack on a school in the southern Iranian city of Minab on the first day of the 40-day conflict against Iran.

Iran's homegrown "Kheibarshekan" missile and "Shahed 136" drone were also displayed during the rally in Tehran.

On Feb. 28, Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior commanders, and civilians.

Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US assets in West Asia.

A ceasefire was achieved between the warring parties on April 8.

-- BERNAMA-XINHUA