TEHRAN- The Libyan Embassy in Tehran has declared its “solidarity” with rebel fighters and taken down the flag of strongman Muammar Gaddafi’s regime, the Quds newspaper reported on Thursday.

“Libya’s diplomatic mission in Tehran announces its complete solidarity with February 17,” the date when fighters began an insurgency against Gaddafi, the paper reported, quoting a statement by the embassy.

The mission stopped short of announcing it had joined the National Transitional Council, the rebels’ de facto government which has been recognized by many countries, but said it was waiting “to receive Libya’s new flag.”

The announcement came a day after rebels overran Gaddafi’s Tripoli compound, raising their flag and ripping the head off his statue.

Iran on Tuesday congratulated the Libyan people, saying the rebellion there indicated the necessity of submitting to the “legitimate demands of the people.”