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
On Saturday, cities across Europe saw the display of lion-emblazoned flags from pre-revolutionary Iran as activists marched to show solidarity with the Iranian populace during the current conflict with the United States and Israel. The demonstrations included participants in Berlin, Stockholm, and Paris, each expressing backing for the Iranian people in their respective locations.
Protesters in London took to the streets, divided in their stance: some opposed the war, while others rallied behind Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The “Hands Off Iran” event drew between 5,000 and 6,000 attendees, according to the Metropolitan Police, who shouted “stop the bombing now, now, now” as they gathered. In Paris, two separate groups emerged—one advocating for the transition led by the late shah’s son, Reza Pahlavi, and another opposing that idea.
“I support Pahlavi who is calling for a revolution,” said Masoud Ghanaatian, a 35-year-old student at a protest in southern Paris. “He’s a democrat. He can oversee a transition and promises to organise elections.”
Meanwhile, in Stockholm, hundreds of demonstrators held up portraits of Reza Pahlavi and his father, waving flags associated with the pre-revolution era. In Amsterdam, marchers followed a canal, displaying Israeli, American, and pre-revolution Iran flags, and urged the government to invite Pahlavi to the country and shut down the Iranian embassy.
Shortly after dawn in Britain, anti-war protesters assembled at an air force base near Fairford, southwest of England. They held signs with messages like “Hands off Iran,” “Peace,” and “Yanks go home.” US President Donald Trump has pledged to aid Iran’s economic recovery if Tehran appoints a leader deemed “acceptable” by him. Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, countered this, insisting the selection of Khamenei’s successor would be guided by Iran’s constitution and the people’s choice, free from foreign influence.
