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
Across Europe, demonstrators rallied on Saturday to show solidarity with the Iranian populace during a period of tension with the United States and Israel. In cities like Berlin, Stockholm, and Paris, participants waved flags representing pre-revolution Iran, symbolizing their backing for the country’s people. The exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s final monarch, emerged as a focal point for many, offering a vision of change following the Israeli-American strike that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In London, the “Hands Off Iran” march drew between 5,000 and 6,000 attendees, according to the Metropolitan Police. Protesters chanted “stop the bombing now, now, now” as they gathered to oppose military actions. Meanwhile, other demonstrators in the city expressed support for Khamenei, highlighting the divided sentiments among the crowd. Paris hosted two separate events: one advocating for Reza Pahlavi to lead a transition, and another opposing that path.
Pro-Pahlavi supporters in southern Paris held photos of the late shah’s son and displayed flags of both the United States and pre-revolution Iran. “I back Pahlavi, who is pushing for a revolution,” said Masoud Ghanaatian, a 35-year-old student. “He’s a democrat and can steer Iran toward fair elections.” However, others in yellow vests chanted “Free Iran” and wore stickers declaring “No Shah, no Mullah,” reflecting a spectrum of views within the movement.
Stockholm’s demonstrations saw hundreds of pro-Pahlavi gatherings, with participants showcasing images of the exiled prince and his late father. In Amsterdam, a group marched along a canal, carrying Israeli, American, and pre-revolution Iran flags, urging the government to invite Pahlavi and shut down the Iranian embassy. UK anti-war protesters also gathered at an air force base in Fairford, holding signs like “Hands off Iran” and “Yanks go home,” shortly after dawn.
US President Donald Trump proposed aiding Iran’s economic recovery if the country appoints a leader acceptable to him. Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, countered by insisting, “The selection of Iran’s leadership will occur entirely through our constitutional processes, by the will of the Iranian people, without foreign influence.” This exchange underscored the debate over sovereignty and intervention in the region.
