Iranians mark anniversary of US embassy takeover

Iranians rallied on Wednesday marking the 36th anniversary of taking over the US embassy by a group of Iranian students in Tehran.

Demonstrators gathered in front of the former US embassy in the centre of Tehran, now called the "Den of Espionage".

Carrying flags and banners denouncing the US and Israel, they vowed to follow the example of the Islamic Revolution's late founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khumeini, who supported the takeover in 1980.

The US severed diplomatic relations with Iran on April 7, 1980, following the embassy takeover and capture of 60 US diplomats in 1979, 52 of whom remained in captivity for 444 days during the hostage crisis.

Addressing demonstrators before the former US embassy, Iran's Prosecutor General, Seyed Ebrahim Raeisi, said that the step by Iranian students 36 years ago prevented America's attempts to further advance their influence over Iran.

The Iranian judiciary official said that the US "violates its minorities' human rights" and should therefore be prosecuted for this.

A resolution issued toward the gathering's end called on Iranian officials to beware of the US influence upon its return to the country.