The show of strength comes weeks after Iranian authorities used unprecedented force to suppress anti-government protests to mark the 47th anniversary of the Islamic revolution.

The BBC visited Tehran for the first time since the crackdown, which human rights activists say has killed at least 6,490 protesters across the country.

The BBC’s chief international correspondent Liz Doucet said the colorful flags and large crowds of government supporters on the streets of the capital reflected the image of the country the government wanted to see on the streets: Iranians coming out to express support for the Islamic Republic and the revolution.

Our reporter reported from Tehran on the condition that her material was not used by BBC Persian. These restrictions apply to all international media organizations operating in Iran.