Iran marks 30th anniversary of the seizure of US embassy

Tens of thousands of Iranians held demonstrations across the country to mark the 30th anniversary of the seizure of the US embassy in Tehran by Iranian students.

Demonstrators gathered outside the former US embassy in central Tehran.

They carried placards expressing their hatred of what they called "arrogant powers." They shouted anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans.

One government official warned that Iran is not afraid of sanctions.

Cholam Ali Hadad Adel, Conservative Lawmaker, said, "Our nation is ready for sacrifice. Your sanctions, as have been the case over the past thirty years, will help us progress. Our nation will stand on its own feet."

Demonstrators expressed similar beliefs.

Demonstrators, said, "We have all gathered here to say that America and Israel can do nothing and are both moving towards annihilation. We are here to call for peace and tranquillity for the world and this will happen after the destruction of America and Israel."

The US embassy was stormed by Iranian students on November the 4th, 1979 and its personnel were held hostage for 444 days. The US broke off diplomatic relations with Iran in 1980 and such ties have remained severed ever since.

Since then, Iranians have celebrated the occasion every year by holding rallies on the anniversary.