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 representing pre-revolution Iran as demonstrators rallied in solidarity with the Iranian people. The protests unfolded amid the conflict involving the United States and Israel, with participants in Berlin, Stockholm, and Paris advocating for political change in the region.
In London, crowds gathered to oppose the escalating war, while others marched in favor of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The “Hands Off Iran” march attracted between 5,000 and 6,000 attendees, according to the Metropolitan Police, who shouted “stop the bombing now, now, now” in unison.
Paris hosted two distinct gatherings: one backing the exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s former shah, and another opposing his leadership. “I support Pahlavi because he’s calling for a revolution,” said Masoud Ghanaatian, a 35-year-old student, at a protest in southern Paris. Participants waved flags of pre-revolution Iran and the US, while holding photos of the late shah’s son.
“He’s a democrat. He can oversee a transition and promises to organise elections,” Ghanaatian added.
Meanwhile, in Stockholm, hundreds of pro-Pahlavi demonstrators showcased images of him and his late father, emphasizing their call for a shift in Iran’s leadership. In Amsterdam, marchers lined a canal, carrying Israeli, American, and pre-revolution Iran flags, urging the government to welcome Pahlavi and shut down the Iranian embassy.
Early in the morning in Britain, activists gathered near an air force base in Fairford, southwest England, with signs like “Hands off Iran,” “Peace,” and “Yanks go home.” US President Donald Trump pledged to assist in rebuilding Iran’s economy if the country’s leadership selects a successor acceptable to him.
“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,” stated Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s UN ambassador.
