US and Israeli flags were burned at the rally, held to mark the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran

Hundreds of thousands of Iranians have rallied across Iran today carrying effigies of US President Donald Trump and chanting 'Death to America'.

The huge crowds responded to a call from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who called on citizens to demonstrate that Iran is not frightened of American 'threats'.

Trump declared that he has put the Islamic Republic 'on notice' and Iran is one of seven countries on the administration's 'travel ban' list, which is being challenged in US courts.

Demonstrators in Tehran marched towards the Azadi ( Freedom) Square to commemorate the anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the US-backed shah.

A young Iranian man told state TV: 'America and Trump cannot do a damn thing. We are ready to sacrifice our lives for our leader Khamenei.'

Thousands of people joined the demonstration after calls by Iran's Supreme Leader to show the country is not frightened of American 'threats'

Demonstrators in Tehran marched towards the Azadi ( Freedom) Square to commemorate the anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the US-backed shah

Trump reacted angrily to an Iranian missile test on January 29 and imposed fresh sanctions on individuals and entities. Iran said it will not halt its missile programme.

THE 1979 ISLAMIC REVOLUTION IN IRAN The rally marks the 38th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution, which saw the overthrow of the US-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The Pahlavi dynasty was replaced by the Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini following a lengthy civil resistance campaign, dating back to October 1977. The Shah went into exile in January 1979, and on February 11 guerillas and rebel troops overwhelmed soldiers loyal to the Shah. Khomeini became the country's Supreme Leader, a position which was created in the Islamic Republic's constitution, making him the highest-ranking politican and religious authority in the country. He was succeeded by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after his death in 1989. Advertisement

Pragmatist President Hassan Rouhani also called on Iranians to join the rally on Friday to 'show their unbreakable ties with the Supreme Leader and the Islamic Republic'.

State television said millions turned out nationwide at revolution rallies in all main cities marked by the traditional anti-US and anti-Israel slogans and the burning of US flags.

On social media, like Twitter and Facebook, many Iranians used the hashtag of #LoveBeyondFlags, urging an end to flag-burning during the anniversary.

They also thanked Americans for opposing Trump's executive order banning travelers from seven mainly Muslim countries, including Iran. Trump's travel ban is being challenged in US courts.

Both US-based social media sites are blocked in Iran by a wide-reaching government censor but they are still commonly used by millions of Iranians who use special software to get around the restrictions. Iranian officials, including Khamenei, have Twitter and Facebook accounts despite the ban.

Trump has criticised a nuclear deal reached between Iran, the United States and other major powers in 2015 aimed at curbing the country's nuclear work.

Most of the sanctions imposed on Iran were lifted last year under the deal.

Huge crowds gathered in Tehran to show their support for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei today

Trump declared that he has put the Islamic Republic 'on notice' and Iran is one of seven countries on the administration's 'travel ban' list, which is being challenged in US courts

Huge crowds gathered in Tehran in a show of strength against the Trump administration which has put Iran 'on notice'

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani joined hundreds of thousands at an anniversary march through the capital, one of dozens of such events around the country.

'This turnout is a response to false remarks by the new rulers in the White House and the people are telling the world through their presence that the Iranian people must be spoken to with respect,' Rouhani said.

'Iranians will make those using threatening language against this nation regret it.

'Anyone threating Iran's government and armed forces should know that our nation is vigilant.'

Last weekend, new Pentagon chief James Mattis described Iran as 'the single biggest state sponsor of terrorism in the world'.

A woman holds a sign proclaiming opposition to the United States at today's rally