The key facts
- In Tehran, a banner depicting Trump, Vance, Netanyahu and Witkoff was burned
- The event was timed to the anniversary of the 1979 hostage crisis, when 52 Americans were held for 444 days
- One participant told AP that the US midterm election results will change little in Washington's policy toward Iran
Annual rally in Tehran
On Wednesday, a crowd gathered at Enghelab Square in Tehran for the annual event marking the anniversary of the 1979 US embassy hostage crisis. Flames engulfed a huge red banner depicting Donald Trump, JD Vance, Benjamin Netanyahu and Steve Witkoff — all four shown with torn clothing and, judging by the image, with injuries. Euronews reported the news.
What happened at the rally
Demonstrators marched with portraits of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba; others carried caricatures of Trump and Netanyahu, including one showing the US president as a dog on a leash. Outside the former US embassy building, participants chanted 'Death to America' and 'Death to Israel' and trampled US and Israeli flags.
Context and participants' assessments
The rally took place after the Democratic Party's victory in the US congressional midterm elections, however, as AP reported citing one participant, in his view, the election outcome will change little in American policy toward Iran. The event itself is an annual reminder of the 1979 events, when 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days.
