In a significant display of anti-government slogans, including “Death to Khamenei”. and “Death to the Dictator” were heard across several Iranian cities during the 47th anniversary celebrations of the Islamic Revolution on February 11, 2026.
The BBC Verify team and other open-source intelligence groups have been analyzing footage from the event. Which highlights a deepening divide in the country following a period of unprecedented domestic unrest and international military tension.
Dissent Amidst State Fireworks
While state-run television broadcast images of large crowds waving national flags and portraits of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Independent and verified videos told a different story.
Nightly Protests:Â On the eve of the anniversary (February 10), residents in Tehran and other major urban centers used the cover of official fireworks displays to chant anti-regime slogans from their windows and rooftops.
Mass Mourning:Â The celebrations were met with widespread anger, as millions of Iranians are still mourning the victims of a deadly crackdown on nationwide protests that began in late 2025.
Symbolic Boycotts:Â Prominent religious figures and reformist groups reportedly boycotted the festivities, with some citing the inappropriateness of “theatrical joy” while the nation recovers from recent violence.
The Backdrop of “The Great Armada”
The internal friction comes at a moment of extreme external pressure.
U.S. Naval Build-Up:Â President Donald Trump has deployed a massive naval “armada” to the region, warning that “bad things” may happen if a new nuclear deal is not reached.
Diplomatic Strategy: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian used the anniversary to signal that Tehran is open to international nuclear inspections. However, he also emphasized that “diplomacy is incompatible with pressure and force.”
Verification and Casualties
The recent wave of protests (late 2025–early 2026) has been described as the bloodiest since the 1979 Revolution.
Human rights organizations have confirmed over 6,000 deaths during the recent crackdown. Though activist groups suggest the total could be as high as 18,000.
Organizations like BBC Verify continue to use satellite imagery and data analysis to track the movement. The security forces and the scale of mass burials reported near major cities.
