Amid ongoing human rights abuses and military aggression across the region, the US Special Envoy for Iran delivered a message expressing solidarity with the people of Iran on Yalda night.

The stand-in envoy, Abram Paley, said: "On this Yalda night, we want the people of Iran to know that the United States will continue to support your aspirations for a free and democratic future. We are confident that Iran will overcome this period of darkness, and that brighter days are ahead."

Matthew Miller, State Department Spokesman, also joined in marking Yalda night, saying: "On the longest night of the year, we join the people of Iran and the wider region in looking forward to brighter days ahead. Happy Yalda to all who celebrate."

Yalda night, an ancient Iranian celebration, marks the longest night of the year, observed from the last night of Autumn to the sunrise of the first Winter day in the northern hemisphere.

Celebrated in multiple countries, including Iran, Armenia, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan, traditions include reading Hafez poetry and enjoying pomegranates, watermelons, and assorted nuts.

The symbolic celebration underscores the victory of light over darkness. In Iran, where most are now living under the poverty line in the worst economic crisis in recent history, and oppression continues to deepen, many in Iran are feeling the country is in its darkest times.