Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, recently participated in a Tasua mourning ceremony in Tehran, where he appeared to blend traditional religious observances with expressions of national pride. Dressed in black, the thousands in attendance formed a somber crowd, yet a shift occurred when the leader encouraged the crowd to sing a patriotic song previously sidelined by the theocracy. The tune, "Ey Iran, Iran," resonated with participants, suggesting a new direction for the government.

After suffering considerable damage during a 12-day conflict with Israel, which also briefly included U.S. involvement, Iran finds itself in a vulnerable position, facing military depletion and societal trauma. Leaders are now seizing upon the resulting wave of nationalism to foster unity and bolster their waning support. The Iranian government aims to utilize the outrage stemming from the conflict as a rallying point in hopes of consolidating power amid ongoing economic difficulties and internal strife.

This recent shift also signifies a departure from the rigid separation of conservative theocracy and the nationalism long associated with Iran's secular past. Leaders are re-embracing cultural symbols and folklore that many within the regime had previously dismissed, consequently attempting to forge a stronger connection with the nation's identity, which encompasses both pre-Islamic and Islamic heritage in a unified narrative tailored for the present challenges.