Pro-monarchy and pro-democracy protesters gather across Europe in support of Iran
On Saturday, activists from across Europe assembled to demonstrate in favor of the Iranian people, raising flags from the pre-revolution era. These banners, featuring the lion emblem of Iran’s monarchy, were seen in major cities as citizens expressed solidarity amid the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel. In Berlin, Stockholm, and Paris, crowds gathered to voice their stance, with some rallying behind Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince and son of Iran’s final monarch. Pahlavi is seen as a potential leader for a transition, especially after the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei by an Israeli-American strike.
In London, demonstrators split their focus: some protested against the war, while others defended Khamenei’s leadership. The “Hands Off Iran” march drew between 5,000 and 6,000 participants, according to the Metropolitan Police, who chanted “stop the bombing now, now, now.” Paris hosted two separate events, with one group advocating for Pahlavi to lead a shift toward democratic reforms and another opposing that vision. “I back Pahlavi because he’s pushing for a revolution,” said Masoud Ghanaatian, a 35-year-old student, as he waved flags and held photos of the late shah’s son. “He’s a democrat who can guide Iran through change and promise free elections.”
Meanwhile, protesters in Stockholm showcased Pahlavi’s image alongside his late father’s, underscoring their desire for a return to monarchical rule. In Amsterdam, marchers lined the city’s canal, displaying Israeli, American, and pre-revolution Iran flags, and urged the government to welcome Pahlavi and shut down the Iranian embassy. In Britain, a gathering of anti-war demonstrators took place at an air force base in Fairford, holding signs like “Hands off Iran,” “Peace,” and “Yanks go home.”
“The selection of Iran’s leadership will take place strictly in accordance with our constitutional procedures and solely by the will of the Iranian people, without any foreign interference,” said Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s UN ambassador. US President Donald Trump had previously pledged to aid Iran’s economic recovery if the country appoints someone deemed “acceptable” to him as Khamenei’s successor.
Across Europe, the demonstrations highlighted a spectrum of views: some championing a monarchy-driven shift, others backing democratic reforms. The events reflected broader debates over Iran’s future, with tensions heightened by the recent strike that claimed Khamenei’s life.
