Pro-monarchy and pro-democracy protesters gather across Europe in support of Iran
Pro-Monarchy and Pro-Democracy Demonstrations Across Europe Support Iran
On Saturday, cities across Europe saw the display of lion-emblazoned flags from Iran’s pre-revolution era as activists gathered to show solidarity with the Iranian people. The demonstrations occurred amid ongoing tensions with the United States and Israel, which had recently targeted Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint strike. In Berlin, Stockholm, and Paris, participants expressed backing for the exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s final monarch, who has positioned himself as a potential leader for a transition from the current regime.
Meanwhile, in London, some protesters marched against the escalating conflict, while others defended Khamenei’s leadership. The “Hands Off Iran” rally drew between 5,000 and 6,000 attendees, according to the Metropolitan Police, who shouted “Stop the bombing now, now, now!” repeatedly. Paris hosted two distinct groups: one advocating for Reza Pahlavi to lead a democratic shift, and another opposing that idea. Masoud Ghanaatian, a 35-year-old student, stated at a protest in southern Paris, “I support Pahlavi, who is calling for a revolution. He’s a democrat who can oversee a transition and promises to organise elections.” Participants waved US, Israeli, and pre-revolution Iran flags, along with photos of the late shah’s son.
“He’s a democrat. He can oversee a transition and promises to organise elections.” — Masoud Ghanaatian, 35, Paris protest
Stockholm also saw significant pro-Pahlavi gatherings, with attendees holding images of him and his late father. In Amsterdam, demonstrators marched along a canal, displaying Israeli, American, and pre-revolution Iran flags. They urged the government to invite Pahlavi to the country and to shut down the Iranian embassy. Anti-war protesters in Britain gathered early at an air force base in Fairford, southwest England, with signs like “Hands off Iran,” “Peace,” and “Yanks go home.”
US President Donald Trump has pledged to assist in rebuilding Iran’s economy if the country appoints a leader deemed “acceptable” to him. However, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, asserted that the US would not influence the selection of Khamenei’s successor. “The leadership of Iran will be chosen purely through constitutional processes, by the will of the Iranian people, and without foreign interference,” Iravani emphasized.
