Thousands of Iranians chanted "Death to America" today outside the former US embassy stormed by students on this day in 1979, reaffirming Iran's defiance in the face of possible sanctions for its nuclear work.
Iran sees itself as victimised by an aggressive United States bent on controlling the Middle East and exacting revenge against Tehran's Islamic leaders for overthrowing the US-backed shah 27 years ago.
Washington wants the United Nations Security Council to toughen a draft resolution drawn up by Britain, France and Germany for sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme. But Russia and China want the draft watered down. Iran says its atomic programme is entirely peaceful.
"Unfortunately America has not learnt its lesson from the takeover of its embassy, they should know that threats and sanctions do not affect the will of this great nation," parliamentary speaker Gholamali Haddadadel told protesters.
"Nuclear energy is our certain right," the crowd responded.
Demonstrators burnt US and Israeli flags as well as effigies of Uncle Sam and US President George W. Bush outside the former embassy which state media calls the "nest of spies". It is now a base for Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards.
"We are here to punch America in the mouth," said student Mohsen Abdullahi. "We want to tell the Americans and British they are nothing in the face of Iran's power."