MUNICH, Germany — Approximately 250,000 people demonstrated against the Iranian government in Munich on Saturday, police reported, coinciding with a gathering of world leaders for a security conference.
The protest, held on Munich’s Theresienwiese fairgrounds, voiced opposition to the leadership of Iran’s Islamic Republic following the suppression of nationwide protests in January. Demonstrators denounced the government’s actions.
The demonstration occurred as Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the former shah of Iran, addressed the Munich Security Conference, calling on US President Donald Trump to “help” the Iranian people. Pahlavi urged for outside “humanitarian intervention to prevent more innocent lives being killed” in Iran.
The rally was described as large and boisterous, with participants banging drums and chanting for regime change. Pahlavi characterized it as part of a “global day of action” in support of Iranians following the recent protests. He also called for similar rallies in Los Angeles and Toronto. German police confirmed via a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the crowd size in Munich exceeded organizers’ expectations, reaching around 250,000.
“Change, change, regime change” and “Javid shah” (long live the shah) were among the chants heard from the crowd, who also waved green-white-and-red flags bearing the lion and sun emblem – the flag used by Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Some demonstrators were seen wearing “Make Iran Great Again” red caps, reminiscent of those used by supporters of former US President Trump. Placards displaying Pahlavi’s image, and some proclaiming him “king,” were also present. Pahlavi, who has been in exile since the 1979 revolution, is seeking to establish himself as a key figure in Iran’s future.
“We have huge hopes and [are] looking forward that the regime is going to change hopefully,” said Daniyal Mohtashamian, a demonstrator.
The crowd chanted “Pahlavi for Iran” and “democracy for Iran” accompanied by the sounds of drums and cymbals. Mohtashamian stated he traveled from Zurich, Switzerland, to voice support for protesters inside Iran who are facing repression.
“There is an internet blackout and their voices are not going outside of Iran,” he said.
Iranian leaders are currently facing increased pressure, including renewed threats of potential US military action. Trump has called for Iran to further reduce its nuclear program and suggested on Friday that regime change in Iran “would be the best thing that could happen.”
Iran was also the focus of protests in Munich on Friday, the opening day of the annual security conference, with supporters of the People’s Mujahedeen Organization of Iran demonstrating against the government’s crackdown on protesters last month.
“The Iranian regime is a dead regime,” a 62-year-old protester originally from Iran, identified only as Said, told AFP on Saturday. “It must be game over.”
At a news conference in Munich, Pahlavi warned of the potential for further deaths in Iran if “democracies stand by and watch.”
“We gather at an hour of profound peril to ask: Will the world stand with the people of Iran?” he asked.
He added that the continued survival of the Iranian government “sends a clear signal to every bully: kill enough people and you stay in power.”
“To President Trump… The Iranian people heard you say help is on the way, and they have faith in you. Help them,” Pahlavi continued. “We see time to end the Islamic Republic. This is the demand echoing from the bloodshed of my compatriots who are not asking us to fix the regime but to help them bury it.”
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 7,005 people have been killed in the crackdown, primarily protesters, though rights groups caution the actual number is likely much higher. More than 53,000 people have been arrested, the group added.
Iran’s government reported a death toll of 3,117 on January 21. Iranian authorities have historically underreported fatalities during periods of unrest.
The Associated Press has been unable to independently verify the death toll due to disrupted internet access and international calls within Iran.
