Pro-monarchy and pro-democracy protesters gather across Europe in support of Iran
Pro-monarchy and pro-democracy protesters gather across Europe in support of Iran
Global solidarity amid escalating tensions
Saturday’s demonstrations saw crowds gathering in multiple European cities, waving flags that symbolize Iran’s pre-revolutionary past. The protests, held in response to ongoing conflict with the US and Israel, reflected a range of perspectives, from backing the exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi to supporting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In London, participants split their focus, with some opposing the war while others rallied behind Khamenei.
Between 5,000 and 6,000 attendees joined the “Hands Off Iran” march, according to the Metropolitan Police. Protesters chanted “stop the bombing now, now, now,” demanding an end to airstrikes targeting Iran. Paris hosted two distinct rallies: one advocating for Reza Pahlavi to lead a transition, and another opposing that idea. A 35-year-old student, Masoud Ghanaatian, stated at a southern Paris protest,
“I support Pahlavi who is calling for a revolution. He’s a democrat. He can oversee a transition and promises to organise elections.”
Participants carried photos of the late shah’s son and displayed US, Israeli, and pre-revolution Iran flags.
Voices of division in the streets
In contrast, other demonstrators in yellow vests held signs reading “Free Iran” and showcased stickers with the message “No Shah, no Mullah.” In Stockholm, hundreds rallied behind Pahlavi, displaying images of him and his late father. Amsterdam’s protesters marched along a canal, holding Israeli, American, and pre-revolution Iran flags, and urged the government to invite Pahlavi to the country and shut down the Iranian embassy.
Meanwhile, in Britain, anti-war demonstrators gathered at an air force base in Fairford, southwest of England, shortly after dawn. Their signs read “Hands off Iran,” “Peace,” and “Yanks go home.” US President Donald Trump had previously pledged to assist Iran’s economic recovery if Tehran installs someone “acceptable” to him as its new leader. However, Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, asserted that the US would not influence the selection of Khamenei’s successor.
“The selection of Iran’s leadership will take place strictly in accordance with our constitutional procedures and solely by the will of the Iranian people, without any foreign interference,”
he added.
