WANA (Feb 17) – Forty days after the terrorist attacks of January 8–9, 2026, a large memorial ceremony was held in Tehran, which Iranian officials described as a symbol of “national unity” in the face of foreign interference. The event took place on Tuesday at the Mosalla Imam Khomeini and was attended by thousands of citizens alongside senior political and military figures.

 

The gathering commemorated those killed during the January attacks—events that Iranian authorities have characterized as terrorist operations linked to “U.S. and Israeli interference” and the exploitation of economic protests. Some domestic and international critics, however, have offered different interpretations regarding the roots and dynamics of the unrest. The tone of the ceremony combined mourning with strong political messaging.

 

Among those present were First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, Government Spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani, Tehran Governor Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ali Nikzad, and Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The presence of senior officials from the executive, legislative, and military branches underscored the political weight of the event.

 

A key part of the program involved participants signing a statement announcing their intention to file a complaint with “competent international bodies” over what the text described as “overt and covert interventions” by the United States and Israel in the January terrorist attacks. The statement also named U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in connection with the incidents, according to its organizers.

 

In his address, Hojjatoleslam Seyyed Mohammad Hassan Aboutorabi-Fard extended condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the importance of unity. “Today we mourn the blood that has been shed… We must remain united and cohesive in confronting the conspiracies of our enemies,” he said, referencing remarks earlier in the day by Iran’s Supreme Leader. He added, “If we act according to our duty, no threat will harm us,” and stated that “the external enemy poses no threat to us.”

First Vice President of Iran, Mohammad Reza Aref, attends a pro-government memorial ceremony marking the 40th day of mourning for victims of the previous anti-government Iranian protests, in Tehran, Iran, February 17, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Aboutorabi-Fard also referred to what he called a “12-day war,” describing it as a demonstration of national strength and solidarity. He urged citizens to uphold their individual and social responsibilities with constant vigilance and self-assessment.

 

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ceremony, Brigadier General Esmail Qaani warned that “those who supported rioters and terrorists are criminals and will see the consequences of their actions.” He added that “the Iranian nation, with greater cohesion and solidarity, will respond to its enemies.”

 

Government Spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani described the atmosphere as a mix of grief and pride. “Today we experienced both sorrow and pride—sorrow for losing our children and pride in having such noble people whose strong presence revived a sense of national pride,” she said.

 

The commemoration comes amid ongoing debate inside and outside Iran over the causes and consequences of the January attacks. While Iranian officials continue to stress the role of foreign actors and speak of pursuing legal action internationally, some analysts argue that economic and social grievances also require closer examination.

 

Regardless of differing narratives, Tuesday’s ceremony in Tehran signaled that the January terrorist attacks remain a significant and active political issue in Iran—one with continuing implications for both domestic politics and the country’s foreign relations.