Iran Protests: 200,000 Rally in Munich, Pahlavi Calls for Freedom & Global Support

MUNICH, Germany – A massive demonstration in Munich on February 14, 2026, drew an estimated 200,000 people protesting the government of Iran, according to police reports. The rally, organized alongside the Munich Security Conference, saw significant participation from Iranian expatriates across Germany and other nations.

The demonstration centered around a call for regime change and support for Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was overthrown in the 1979 revolution. Pahlavi, now 65, addressed the crowd, stating, “We are fighting for freedom, for justice and for equality,” values he framed as commonplace in the Western world. He reiterated his commitment to guiding Iran towards a democratic future with free elections, and expressed gratitude for international solidarity, declaring, “We are not alone.”

Publist Michel Friedman, also speaking at the event, accused the Iranian government of “abusing Islam, the Quran.” He asserted that for 47 years, millions have been oppressed in Iran in the name of religion, and criticized the international community for “looking on for 47 years.” Friedman called for the isolation of the Iranian leadership and an end to trade relations, stating, “A regime that stands for terrorism must be removed,” and adding, “Iran with this regime must never have nuclear weapons.”

Pahlavi’s presence in Munich was tied to the Munich Security Conference, where he spoke to journalists. He stated, “Today, thousands of people from Munich to Toronto to Los Angeles are taking part in a global day of action in solidarity with the Iranian people, as part of my call. They are sending a clear message to the leaders of Western democracies to stand with the Iranian people.”

He described the situation as “an hour of deep danger,” arguing that the world must choose between standing with the Iranian people or appeasing a leadership he claims has massacred over 40,000 of its own citizens during recent protests. The exact number of casualties from the suppression of protests in Iran remains officially undisclosed, with activists reporting at least 7,000 deaths.

Pahlavi emphasized that the fate of Iran extends beyond its borders, framing it as a critical test for global security. He stated that the Islamic Republic has, for nearly half a century, acted as a “revolutionary enterprise,” exporting instability through proxies, undermining the sovereignty of neighboring countries, fueling conflicts, and pursuing nuclear ambitions. However, he believes a fundamental shift has occurred. He characterized the struggle within Iran not as a conflict between reform and revolution, but as a battle between occupation and liberation.

The timing of the demonstration, coinciding with the Munich Security Conference, was deliberate, according to organizers. The conference attracts political and security policymakers from around the world, providing a platform to reach a key audience. More than 15 additional gatherings related to the security conference were scheduled for the weekend in Munich, according to the city’s KVR (police department).

The Munich Security Conference, which concluded on Sunday, February 16, 2026, is considered a leading global forum for security policy discussions. Conference organizers reported the attendance of over 60 heads of state and government, along with approximately 100 foreign and defense ministers.