The Winter Solstice, or Shab-e Yalda as it is known to millions of people in Iran and the wider region, is an important night of celebration with friends and family on the longest night of the year. Tonight, the United States recognizes this rich and festive tradition, which dates back millennia.
Shab-e Yalda should be a joyful time. Unfortunately, the Iranian regime seeks to erase the Iranian people’s vibrant history by renaming Yalda and other ancient traditions. Meanwhile, the people of Iran continue to persevere in the face of human rights abuses and economic hardship brought on by the regime’s failed leadership. Yalda is a time for hope and a commemoration of the triumph of light over darkness. It is a reminder that despite these hardships, brighter days are ahead. The United States continues to stand with the people of Iran as they seek freedom, prosperity, and respect for their human rights.
