Tehran, Feb 12 (IANS): Iranians gathered in the streets on Friday to commemorate the 43rd anniversary of the the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Due to Covid-19 concerns, the rally was organised in the form of a drive-in for the second year in a row, with people driving cars and riding motorcycles in gatherings.

In the capital Tehran, motorists, adorned with banners supporting the establishment of the Islamic Republic, made their way through the streets to the Azadi (Liberty) Square.

In a statement announced at the end of the rally in Tehran, participants condemned the West for exerting pressure on the country's defense program, Xinhua news agency reported.

They also praised the nuclear negotiating team's efforts to follow the leadership's guidelines and the parliament's legislation for the interests of the country.

Motorists in other cities followed the capital's lead in commemorating the anniversary of the crucial revolution's victory.

The 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran toppled the US-backed Shah regime, and brought the country under the leadership of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.