On Saturday, February 14th, approximately 250,000 people participated in a protest against the Iranian regime in Munich, Germany. This protest coincided with global leaders attending the Munich Security Conference. Protesters hoped that this event would increase international attention on the situation in Iran and put more pressure on the Iranian authorities.
The massive demonstration in Munich saw people drumming, chanting slogans calling for a change in the Iranian regime. Some protesters wore red hats with the slogan “Make Iran Great Again,” mimicking the “Make America Great Again” hats worn by supporters of former U.S. President Trump. Many waved banners featuring the image of exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.
“Change! Change! Regime change!” echoed through the crowds as thousands of demonstrators waved green, white, and red flags with a lion and sun motif – the flag used by the Iranian Pahlavi dynasty before being overthrown in 1979. The crowd shouted for the return of the Pahlavi dynasty to Iran and for Iranian democracy.
According to the Associated Press, protester Daniyal Mohtashamian said, “We have great hope and look forward to regime change.” Mohtashamian came from Zurich, Switzerland, to show support for those facing repression in Iran.
“Iran’s network is blocked, their voices cannot reach the outside world,” he said.
Reports from Iran International, based in the UK, stated that approximately 250,000 people participated in the event according to local police.
Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Pahlavi referred to the event as part of the “Global Action Day,” aimed at supporting Iranians who faced deadly repression during protests in Iran. He also called on supporters to organize rallies in cities like Los Angeles and Toronto.
The pressure on Iran’s current regime is mounting. U.S. President Trump has repeatedly warned that Iran could face military action if they fail to reach a nuclear agreement. Trump stated on Friday, February 13th, that regime change in Iran would be the “best choice.”
Speaking at a press conference in Munich, exiled Crown Prince Pahlavi warned that if “democratic nations stand idly by,” Iran could experience more deaths. He asked, “In this critical moment of survival, we gather here and pose a question: Will the world stand with the Iranian people?”
He added that the continued existence of Iran’s current regime sends a clear signal to all dictators: “As long as enough people are killed, they can stay in power.”
The exiled Crown Prince is the eldest son of former Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and Queen Farah Pahlavi.
During the Pahlavi dynasty’s rule, a pro-Western policy was adopted, receiving significant support from the United States. As an important oil-exporting country, Iran experienced rapid economic development and gained influence in the Middle East. In 1979, the “Islamic Revolution” led by Ruhollah Khomeini erupted, toppling the Pahlavi dynasty. Khomeini established the “Islamic Republic of Iran,” a political system based entirely on Islam. Since then, Iran has been perceived as adopting a confrontational stance against the civilized world. Khomeini became Iran’s first Supreme Leader.