"History has shown that Muslims have not tolerated transgression against their sanctities at any juncture," it said in a statement issued in Tehran ahead of the anniversary on Feb. 14, 1989 when the late Imam Khomeini issued a death edict on Rushdie.

"The day will finally come when the apostate Salman Rushdie will receive his due punishment for his disgraceful and slanderous move against the Quran and Prophet (s.a.w.a.)," it added.

The IRGC hailed the decree as “historical (issued) at a time when the rulers of blasphemy and promoters of the liberal democracy and Zionism have mobilized all their capacities to confront genuine Islam”.

"The vigilance of the world Muslims as well as the firm stances of some Islamic states at that time showed that the Islamic world is blessed with an extraordinary capacity for unity and solidarity against the enemies of the Quran and the Prophet (s.a.w.a.). "

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has stressed that the death sentence issued by the late Imam following the publication of Rushdie's 'the satanic verses' is still valid."

The historical decree on Salman Rushdie is irrevocable and nothing can change it," he has said.