Iran's president has called for unity and apologised for the “shortcomings” that exist after the recent crackdown on nationwide protests.

Masoud Pezeshkian also said his nation was “not seeking nuclear weapons”.

His remarks come as Iran marks the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which toppled the monarchy and brought Ayatollah Khomeini to power.

Millions of Iranians have gathered in the streets, celebrating, carrying flags and chanting revolutionary slogans.

But this year’s commemoration comes at one of the most challenging moments in the Islamic Republic's recent history, as tension with the US has been escalating for weeks.

Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar has the latest from Tehran and Osama Bin Javaid is monitoring developments in Doha.

Luciano Zaccara is an Iran and Gulf politics analyst.