TEHRAN – On February 11th, I once again witnessed the parade celebrating the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran. In previous years, I have witnessed such celebrations in both Tehran and Urmia. As a Chinese professor who earnestly hopes for a brighter future for Iran, I have some personal observations and reflections after witnessing this year’s celebratory parade, which I would like to share with the Iranian people who are yearning for positive changes in their country.

Since Iran is currently facing the dual crises of national trauma from recent turmoil and the threat of U.S. military strikes, this year’s Islamic Revolution celebration parade was naturally somewhat different. For example, understandably, there was a noticeable increase in security personnel and police along the route. However, the entire event proceeded smoothly without any incidents.

Moreover, there were a huge number of people participating in the march this year. I took the BRT Line 1 from Forodgah Station shortly before 9 a.m., intending to get off at Ferdowsi Station and then walk to Revolution Square. However, all passengers had to get off the bus as soon as it passed Emam Hossein Station because the celebrants made it difficult for the bus to pass.

Unlike the perspectives of Western media and Iranian opposition groups, in my view, although Iranian people are generally dissatisfied with the status quo, the Islamic Republic still has a large number of supporters in Iran, even after the recent unrest. Furthermore, Iranians who are dissatisfied with the status quo are not necessarily opponents of the Islamic Republic.

Given the Islamic Revolution’s fundamental stance toward the United States and Israel, as well as President Trump’s recent military threats and the Netanyahu government’s continued push for a U.S. attack on Iran, chants of “Down with America” and “Down with Israel” were frequently heard during the parade. After the 12-day war and subsequent events, these slogans have taken on greater practical significance this year.

At present, the pressure exerted on Iran by the United States and Israel is evident. However, I don’t believe Washington really considers Iran a serious threat. While many Iranians see no difference between the U.S. and Israel in their stance toward Iran, I do not share this view. If Washington fully aligned with Israel’s perspective on Iran, the U.S. would likely have launched a severe military strike against Iran years ago.

As a Chinese professor who has spent over a year each in the United States, Israel, and Iran, I firmly believe that the core obstacle to improving Iran–U.S. relations lies in Israel’s obstruction. In other words, although the United States has not entirely aligned its policies toward Iran with Israel’s wishes, without a détente in Israel–Iran relations, a fundamental shift in America’s stance toward Iran remains unlikely. Therefore, the Islamic Republic must seriously engage with Israel, just as Israel must take the Islamic Republic seriously.

Unless a shift happens in this regard, it will be difficult for the United States to fundamentally improve its relations with Iran. In that case, the sanctions imposed on Iran will be hard to lift. Of course, we are currently witnessing dramatic changes in the international order, with America’s global influence in decline. However, for a key regional power like Iran, engaging in intense confrontation with any world power would cause serious harm to its own interests—especially now, when the number of nations that can truly be called global powers is extremely limited.

Walking among the crowds celebrating the Islamic Revolution, I was reflecting on not only Iran’s foreign relations but also its internal challenges. Judging by the attire of the female participants, it was clear that the vast majority came from religious families. Frankly, this stood in stark contrast to the diversity I typically see on the streets of Tehran. For the government, it’s important to see not only those who support it but also those who alienate it. In fact, the lower voter turnout in recent national elections has sounded an alarm for the Islamic Republic.

A few days ago, when asked by a journalist about my views on the Islamic Revolution, I responded that it has achieved significant success in safeguarding national independence and sovereignty, and that it provided some social welfare to the people during periods of better economic performance. However, as the economy has deteriorated over the past decade or more, the gap between the ideals of the Islamic Revolution and reality has grown increasingly wide. The Islamic Revolution should be an evolving process that requires timely and proactive responses to the realities of society and the nation, rather than forcing these realities to conform to revolutionary goals set decades ago.

Furthermore, both nations and individuals must develop themselves based on reality. If current decisions are based on the imagined future of a stronger self, the disconnect between capability and ideals can easily lead to difficulties in the here and now. Pragmatism and a down-to-earth approach make it easier for countries and individuals to achieve success.

At an event hosted by the Iranian Embassy in Beijing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, I candidly stated that Iran urgently needs reforms; otherwise, it will face even greater difficulties. We have all witnessed the hardships Iran has endured over the past seven years. I hope that 2026 will be the first year of positive change for Iran.
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Professor Hongda Fan is the Director of the China-Middle East Center at Shaoxing University, China.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Tehran Times’s editorial stance.