At Tehran's Enqelab Square, a massive crowd gathers. Veiled women, turbanned men, and even the elderly are on the streets, waving Iranian flags and holding up portraits of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, celebrating what they claim is a victory over their enemy, Israel.
Chanting slogans for the downfall of Israel and the US, the crowd in Tehran replicates the scenes in many other Iranian cities, all reveling in their purported triumph over Israel.
Celebrations in Tehran echo Pakistan’s joy during 'Operation Sindoor' even after facing heavy defeat at the hands of India. On May 10, the latest conflict between India and Pakistan saw a ceasefire. By May 11, Pakistan declared a Thank You Day.
Iran Mirrors Pakistan's Celebrations
During 'Operation Sindoor,' India targeted nine sites in Pakistan and the Pakistan-administered Kashmir, dismantling terror bases and crippling Pakistan's airspace, causing significant damage to 10-11 Pakistani airbases. This operation resulted in 160 Pakistani casualties, including terrorists.
Source: aajtak
Despite their losses, Pakistan declared victory domestically and celebrated.
On May 12, Pakistan’s National Assembly convened to laud the supposed 'victory,' portraying it as a show of national unity and military prowess.
Meanwhile, Iran suffered great losses in a 12-day war with Israel. Israel eliminated 8-10 Iranian nuclear scientists, devastated Iran’s military leadership, and destroyed its key nuclear sites (Natanz, Fordo, Isfahan) with American B-2 bombers, crippling Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Iran’s airspace became accessible to Israel and the US, allowing them to attack at will, dealing substantial blows to Iran. Official stats report 650 deaths, but human rights organizations claim the toll reaches 1000.
Yet Iran propagated this as 'victory,' and proxies like Hezbollah and Houthi labeled it an Israeli defeat and Iranian triumph.
Source: aajtak
This festivity is primarily part of Iranian propaganda to keep up public morale and reinforce the regime's 'invincible' image.
Despite their military losses, both countries touted their alleged victories. Iran branded its missile attacks on Israel as 'Operation True Promise 3' while Pakistan dubbed its counterattacks 'Operation Bunyan-Al-Marsous.'
While Pakistan sought a ceasefire with American intervention during 'Operation Sindoor,' it claimed the ceasefire as a diplomatic victory, paralleling Iran's claim of triumph after the ceasefire. Senior IRGC commanders assert readiness for ongoing conflict.
Trump and Netanyahu Face Questions
Inquiries arose immediately after US attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities at Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz. CNN and New York Times published Pentagon intelligence reports stating Iran’s enriched uranium remained intact, and its centrifuges were moved safely.
The Pentagon report cast doubt on the efficacy of the US strikes.
The White House and Trump dismissed these as fake news, insisting on significant damage to Iranian nuclear installations.
Although accepting the Pentagon’s report, the White House refuted its conclusions.
Subsequently, Iran admitted substantial damages to its nuclear facilities due to the US strikes.
Additionally, President Trump raised the issue of ongoing corruption trials against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling them a politically motivated witch hunt and demanding dismissal or pardon.
Trump praised Netanyahu as a 'great wartime leader' and a 'warrior' against foes like Iran, labeling charges as 'ridiculous' and 'unfair.'
He criticized the Israeli judiciary, describing the trial as a 'horror show,' emphasizing Netanyahu's investigation since 2020 over trivial matters like cigars and Bugs Bunny dolls.
Trump added, "I just learned that Bibi is being hauled in court on Monday for this long-running politically motivated case involving cigars, Bugs Bunny dolls, and other absurd accusations, trying to cause him great harm,"
"It’s inconceivable for someone who has given so much to face such a witch-hunt," he said.
