A massive demonstration took place in Munich on Saturday as hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered to voice opposition to Iran’s government alongside a major international gathering of world leaders in Germany. According to police estimates, roughly 250,000 people participated in the rally, responding to a call by Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi for increased global pressure on Tehran amid ongoing political unrest and international tensions.
The large and energetic protest formed part of what Pahlavi described as a coordinated “global day of action” intended to show solidarity with Iranians following deadly nationwide protests and a government crackdown inside the country. Demonstrators filled the streets beating drums, chanting slogans demanding political change, and waving Iran’s pre-1979 national flag featuring the lion and sun emblem, a symbol associated with the era before the Islamic Revolution that ended the Pahlavi monarchy.
Chants of “Change, change, regime change” echoed through the crowd as participants called for democratic reforms and an end to the current governing system. The turnout exceeded organisers’ expectations, reflecting growing mobilisation among members of the Iranian diaspora and supporters of political change. Similar demonstrations were organised in other major cities, including Los Angeles and Toronto, where police reported that approximately 350,000 people joined marches connected to the same global campaign.
At the Munich rally, many protesters wore red caps bearing the slogan “Make Iran Great Again,” deliberately modeled after the “Make America Great Again” hats associated with supporters of US President Donald Trump. The symbolic headwear highlighted the political messaging of the event and drew attention when US Senator Lindsey Graham addressed the crowd and was photographed holding one of the caps during his speech.
Pahlavi, speaking at a news conference, warned that continued inaction by democratic nations could result in further loss of life in Iran. He argued that allowing the current government to remain in power after violent crackdowns sends a dangerous signal internationally, suggesting that governments can suppress dissent without consequences. Framing the protests as a pivotal moment, he urged the international community to stand with Iranian citizens seeking political change.
Many attendees carried placards displaying images of Pahlavi, with some supporters openly referring to him as a future monarch. Although the son of Iran’s former shah has lived in exile for nearly five decades, he has increasingly attempted to position himself as a prominent figure in discussions about Iran’s political future. Protesters chanted slogans such as “Pahlavi for Iran” and “Democracy for Iran,” accompanied by rhythmic drums and cymbals that added to the rally’s intense atmosphere.
Participants said they viewed the demonstrations as a way to amplify voices inside Iran that they believe are being suppressed. One protester, Daniyal Mohtashamian, who travelled from Zurich to attend the rally, said internet shutdowns and communication restrictions inside Iran have prevented many citizens from sharing their experiences with the outside world. According to him, demonstrations abroad serve as a channel to bring international attention to conditions faced by protesters within the country.
Solidarity protests were also reported elsewhere, including in Nicosia, Cyprus, where around 500 demonstrators gathered outside the presidential palace carrying banners criticising Iran’s leadership and expressing support for Pahlavi. These coordinated actions reflected a broader effort by opposition groups and diaspora communities to maintain international focus on developments inside Iran.
Casualty figures from recent unrest remain disputed. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has claimed that at least 7,005 people were killed during last month’s protests, including more than 200 government personnel. The organisation relies on networks of activists inside Iran to compile its data and has previously been considered reliable during earlier waves of unrest. Iran’s government, however, released a significantly lower figure in January, stating that 3,117 people had died. Independent verification has proven difficult due to restrictions on internet access and international communications imposed by Iranian authorities.
The protests unfolded amid renewed geopolitical pressure on Iran. President Trump has repeatedly threatened military action and is seeking further limitations on Iran’s nuclear programme. He recently suggested that regime change in Iran might ultimately be beneficial, adding another layer of political tension surrounding the issue.
Iran-related demonstrations had already taken place in Munich a day earlier, coinciding with the opening of the annual security conference attended by European leaders and global policymakers. Supporters of the Iranian opposition group People’s Mujahedeen Organisation of Iran, also known as the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, staged separate protests highlighting opposition to Tehran’s leadership.
Together, the large turnout in Munich and parallel rallies around the world underscored the growing international dimension of Iran’s political crisis, as diaspora communities and political activists attempt to influence global opinion while diplomatic and military pressures on Tehran continue to intensify.
