Iran's president calls for mass turn out in anniversary of Islamic revolution

TEHRAN - Iran's President Hassan Rouhani called for mass turn out in the rallies to mark the anniversary of Islamic revolution on Feb 10, local media reported on Wednesday.

It is expected that people would partake "massively" in the 38th anniversary of the Islamic revolution this year to show solidarity and unity of the nation with the revolution and the leadership.

"In the rallies, people will demonstrate that their glory, independence and national sovereignty are bound to the Islamic revolution," said Rouhani.

"We hope people will participate actively in the ceremonies of Feb. 10, given the current global and regional situation," he said.

The 1979 revolution in Iran toppled the US-backed regime of Shah and brought the country under the leadership of Ayatollah Seyed Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini, an event seen as a turning point in Iran's history.

On Tuesday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also urged the Iranians to respond to the US "threats" in the nationwide rallies on Friday.

The United States has announced sanctions on multiple entities and individuals involved in Iran's missile development after Tehran carried out latest medium-range ballistic missile test late last month.

Iran has dismissed the concerns over its missile program, calling the tests solely for defensive purposes.