Tehran Municipality has erected banners showcasing the nation's advances across various sectors ahead of the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution on February 10.

The billboards highlight achievements in science, military equipment development, sports, and other fields, proclaiming them as symbols of Iran's "pride and freedom" attained through the "will and hard work" of its people.

This initiative appears to be an attempt to counter the prevailing narrative of a disconnect between the Islamic Republic and the Iranian populace.

Iran witnessed widespread protests in 2022, sparked by the death of a young woman in police custody over her hijab. The demonstrations persisted for months, culminating in deadly clashes between security forces and the public. At least eight individuals were executed in connection with the rallies.

These events garnered significant international attention, with numerous nations expressing solidarity with the Iranian people in their struggle for freedom.

The 2022 protests were followed by an exceptionally low voter turnout in the subsequent June 2024 election, where Masoud Pezeshkian was elected with less than half of the eligible votes cast.

Since assuming power, Pezeshkian has endeavoured to foster national reconciliation, urging Iranians to remain in their homeland and contribute to their country's progress.

However, a significant number of skilled Iranian workers have emigrated in recent years, resulting in a critical shortage of professionals in sectors such as medicine.

Public dissatisfaction has further intensified due to economic hardships exacerbated by political and military tensions following the outbreak of the Gaza War in October 2023.

Iran has been grappling with widespread imbalances and shortages, including in the supply of electricity and natural gas.

Average inflation rates have stubbornly remained above 30%, while the national currency has depreciated by more than half in the past two years, severely impacting people's purchasing power.

Concurrently, Iran's regional influence has withered away following significant setbacks for its allies, including Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as the Syrian government's fall to opposition groups on December 8th.

This has resulted in discontent among those who supported the Islamic Republic’s regional aspirations.

Despite launching hundreds of missiles and drones against Israel on two occasions, Iran has yet to retaliate for Israel's latest attack last October, perceived by some as a sign of weakness.

This situation has engendered disillusionment among the Iranian public, with many harbouring hopes that international pressure will ultimately lead to the demise of the Islamic Republic.

Government propaganda, however, strives to present a contrasting narrative, one where citizens are brimming with hope, dedicated to national progress, and steadfastly support the Islamic Republic.

The latest poster on the huge billboard in Tehran's Valiasr Square reads "House of Hope," echoing slogans used during the movement that led to the 1979 revolution.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has urged government entities to intensify efforts to showcase the achievements of the Islamic Republic, many of which he believes may be unknown to the public.

Addressing a gathering of private sector representatives in January, he lamented the inadequate efforts to "demonstrate Iran's progress and fulfilment of aspirations," calling for a comprehensive media campaign.

He had previously exhorted authorities to counter Western narratives of Iran's decline and prevent them from influencing public opinion.

Ayatollah Khamenei has accused Western media of distorting reality in their reporting.

"You are growing stronger, they propagate that you are weakening. They are weakening, they propagate that they are strengthening. You become immune to threats, they claim they will destroy you with threats. And some people are also influenced by this," he stated.