WANA (Nov 07) – The minimum expectation of the Israelis and Americans after the recent military attack on Iran, which took place on June 13, 2025, was to lower the morale and discourage Iranians from supporting the resistance and their rulers. An expectation that apparently was not much fulfilled.

 

After realizing the wholehearted support of its citizens for Iran’s harsh response to Israel and the United States, Iran’s propaganda apparatus began to promote this heroic spirit in various forms and formats. From the very first days of the Iran–Israel war until now, Iran’s official and unofficial media have continuously tried in different ways to preserve this same spirit.

 

It is hard to find an Iranian whose view of his own history is not accompanied by pride and honor. Every Iranian, in his mind, sees himself as a king whose crown and throne have been taken away from him for a while, and who must strive to return to his glorious days. This belief is always alive among Iranians, and a government that understands this well and regards it with respect can conquer their hearts.

Iran unveils honouring statue of an ancient Persian figure (Valerian’s Kneeling) at Enghelab Square in Tehran, Iran, November 7, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

On Friday evening, November 7, Enghelab Square took on a new appearance. From the early afternoon hours, the flood of people streaming from Azadi Street to Ferdowsi foretold a remarkable event. The air was filled with excitement and enthusiasm; people had come to witness the unveiling of a statue that recalls an eternal scene from Iran’s history — the statue of “Those Kneeling Before Iran.”

 

When the curtain was drawn aside, all eyes were fixed on a grand and imposing figure — a depiction of the moment when Shapur I, the great Sassanid emperor, captured Valerian, the emperor of Rome, in the third century AD. A scene that for centuries has been engraved in the world’s historical memory as a symbol of Iran’s power.

 

This work was created through the efforts of the Beautification Organization of Tehran Municipality — a project aimed not only at displaying art, but also at reminding people of the deep roots of Iranian resilience and historical identity; a reminder that the history of this land has repeatedly stood against invasions, and each time has risen from the ashes with greater pride.

People attend a street concert during a ceremony to unveil a statue honouring an ancient Persian figure (Valerian’s Kneeling) at Enghelab Square in Tehran, Iran, November 7, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Simultaneously with the unveiling of this statue, thirteen other monuments were also revealed — each telling a story of resistance and steadfastness, from Mirza Kuchak Khan Jangali, who fought against the Tsars, to General Qassem Soleimani, who was assassinated by the Americans, and General Amir Ali Hajizadeh — spanning from the depths of classical history to the modern era.

 

Enghelab Square, one of Tehran’s well-known squares, became tonight a scene of national harmony among Iranians. The Tehran Symphony Orchestra performed the timeless piece “Ey Iran” in the open air; the sound of the instruments and the crowd’s singing echoed throughout the square so powerfully that even the paving stones seemed to tremble with pride.

 

After that, several popular pop singers took the stage, multiplying the excitement of the ceremony. Fireworks, traditional performances, and epic shows offered a theatrical vision of Iran’s history before the audience’s eyes.

People attend a street concert during a ceremony to unveil a statue honouring an ancient Persian figure (Valerian’s Kneeling) at Enghelab Square in Tehran, Iran, November 7, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Behind this cultural project lies inspiration from the words of Iran’s Supreme Leader about “the glorious history of Iran’s resistance” and “the enemies kneeling before the nation” — an idea that, through this stone statue, has been symbolically and permanently engraved in the heart of Tehran.

 

The Friday evening program held in Tehran’s Enghelab Square was, in effect, an event in response to the daily threats of the Israelis, Americans, and Westerners against Iran. In Tehran’s Enghelab Square tonight, a program was held aimed at humiliating the Western world and the Zionists. This was the true essence of holding this event.