DW: Iran is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its Islamic Revolution. Meanwhile, the nation is facing a series of political and economic hardships. Despite US sanctions and tensions with the Iranian leadership, the EU is committed to trade with Iran. Last week, the EU launched a trade mechanism meant to provide a lifeline to Iranian firms and bypass US sanctions, which in turn drew a warning from Washington. Today, tens of thousands of people gathered in the capital of Tehran for a rally led by President Hassan Rouhani. He told crowds that Iran is determined to expand its military power and ballistic missile program, and won't ask anyone for permission to do so.