More than 250,000 Iranian exiles and supporters gathered in central Munich, Germany, responding to the call of "Reza Pahlavi," the exiled Crown Prince of Iran, urging the international community to stop ignoring the violence in Tehran and support a democratic regime change.
Last Saturday (14 Feb), a large rally took place near the Munich Security Conference venue. Police reported up to 250,000 participants, far exceeding organizers' expectations, to unite for the "Global Day of Action" supporting Iranians facing severe government repression.
The rally atmosphere was filled with drumbeats and chants of "Change, change, regime change." Protesters waved green-white-red flags featuring a lion and sun, the pre-1979 Islamic Revolution Iranian national flag that represented the Pahlavi monarchy.
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Iranian Crown Prince, warned that if democratic nations remain silent about the crackdown on protesters, more deaths in Iran will follow. "We gather at this critical hour to ask: Will the world stand with the Iranian people?" he said, adding that allowing the current government to survive would send the wrong message to dictators worldwide: "Kill enough people, and you keep power."
The demonstrations were not limited to Munich. In Toronto, Canada, police estimated 350,000 marchers. Rallies also took place in Los Angeles and in front of the presidential palace in Nicosia, Cyprus.
A highlight in Munich was some protesters wearing red hats bearing the slogan "Make Iran Great Again," mimicking Donald Trump's MAGA hats. U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham also spoke at the rally and wore the hat to show support for the movement.
Tensions in Iran have escalated following last month's crackdown on protests. Human rights group HRANA reported at least 7,005 deaths, including 214 state officials, while the Iranian government claimed only 3,117 deaths, a figure widely seen as underreported.
The Iranian government is under intense pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened military action and demands Iran end its nuclear program. Trump recently stated that regime change in Iran "would be the best thing that could happen."
This rally marks a significant step for Crown Prince Pahlavi as he seeks to assert leadership amid nearly 50 years of ongoing conflict since his exile.