Brian Hook Criticizes Iranian Government for Preventing Cyrus Day Celebrations

Brian Hook, head of the U.S. State Department's Iran Action Group, has criticized the Iranian government for its actions to prevent the celebration of 'Cyrus Day,' honoring Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. According to the U.S. State Department's website, Hook stated regarding the cancellation of the Cyrus Day celebrations: 'We have seen reports of Iranian forces preventing Iranians from visiting the tomb in Fars province, which is truly pathetic.' Hook questioned why the regime feels such fear and insecurity over this issue. He added that Cyrus was a leader known for his tolerance and that historians such as Herodotus and Xenophon have written about him. Hook also emphasized that it is the right of the Iranian people to honor their heritage. The seventh of Aban corresponds to October 29, marking Cyrus's entry into Babylon in 539 BC, and supporters of Cyrus refer to this day as Cyrus Day. In recent years, gatherings have been held on this day at his tomb in Pasargadae, while reports indicate that government officials have prevented such ceremonies over the past two years. Images shared on social media showed heavy traffic leading to Pasargadae on the seventh of Aban, with users noting the visible presence of security forces in the area. Heather Nauert, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, had also previously tweeted about 'Cyrus Day,' commemorating the founder of the Achaemenid Empire and calling for an end to the persecution of religious minorities in Iran. Nauert tweeted: 'Over 2000 years ago, Cyrus the Great promoted religious tolerance in ancient Iran. Today on Cyrus Day, the Iranian regime should learn lessons from his leadership and stop the persecution of Baha'is, Christian converts, Gonabadi dervishes, and other minorities in Iran.' A number of Iranian citizens and 19 senior historians from various countries have requested that the seventh of Aban be officially recognized as 'Cyrus Day' in Iran's official calendar. However, after protests from some Shiite clerics close to the government (especially Ayatollah Hossein Noori Hamadani) against a large gathering of supporters for the official recognition of this anniversary in Pasargadae on the seventh of Aban 1395, permission for gatherings at Cyrus's tomb has not been granted since.