Iran Protests: 200,000 Rally in Munich, Pahlavi Calls for Regime Change | Euronews

Munich became an unexpected focal point for the Iranian opposition this weekend, as an estimated 200,000 to 250,000 protesters rallied for regime change on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. The demonstration, spurred by a call to action from Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, represents a significant escalation in international pressure on Tehran amid ongoing anti-government protests and a brutal crackdown on dissent.

The sheer scale of the rally – far exceeding initial expectations and doubling organizers’ estimates – underscores the depth of discontent both within Iran and among its diaspora. Protesters, many traveling from across Europe including Switzerland, marched with pre-1979 Iranian flags featuring the lion and sun emblem, a potent symbol of the Pahlavi dynasty. Chants of “Change, change, regime change” reverberated through the city as global leaders convened nearby to discuss international security.

Pahlavi, who has been in exile for over four decades since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, framed the demonstration as a “global call to action” intended to amplify the voices of those silenced within Iran. He addressed the Munich Security Conference, warning of further bloodshed if democracies fail to respond decisively to the ongoing repression. “We gather at an hour of profound peril to ask: Will the world stand with the people of Iran?” he asked, adding that the continued survival of the current Iranian government “sends a clear signal to every bully: kill enough people and you stay in power.”

The rally also saw a striking visual echo of political messaging from another world leader. Demonstrators sported “Make Iran Great Again” red caps, a clear nod to the signature headwear of former U.S. President Donald Trump and his supporters. Placards bearing Pahlavi’s image, some even referring to him as “king,” were also prevalent, signaling his attempt to position himself as a key figure in a potential future Iran.

The protests within Iran initially erupted in late December, fueled by economic hardship and the dramatic collapse of the Iranian rial. The government’s response was swift and severe, triggering a nationwide wave of demonstrations against the regime. Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of the crackdown, with reports of daily killings, assaults, and arrests. While precise figures remain elusive, activist groups estimate the death toll could be nearing 30,000, a figure the government dismisses as “politicised” but acknowledges several thousand have died in clashes with security forces.

The timing of the Munich rally coincides with increased international scrutiny of Iran’s actions. Pahlavi specifically praised the United States for its supportive stance towards the protesters and urged President Trump to follow through on promises of assistance. He also welcomed Trump’s decision to deploy a second aircraft carrier group to the region, a move signaling a willingness to consider military options in response to escalating tensions.

The demonstration in Munich highlights the complex dynamics at play in the Iranian crisis. While the protests are rooted in domestic grievances, they are increasingly attracting international attention and support. The presence of Pahlavi, a figure from Iran’s pre-revolutionary past, adds another layer of complexity, raising questions about the potential for a return to monarchy or the emergence of a different form of government. Daniyal Mohtashamian, a demonstrator who traveled from Zurich, spoke to the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need to speak for those inside Iran who are facing repression and an internet blackout.

The international community now faces a critical juncture. The question, as Pahlavi posed in Munich, is whether the world will stand with the Iranian people as they continue their struggle for change. The scale of the Munich rally suggests a growing demand for a more assertive response to the crisis, but the path forward remains fraught with challenges and potential risks.