Hundreds of thousands of Iranians across the diaspora rallied outside US embassies and consulates in more than 20 countries on Saturday, calling on the international community to maintain pressure on the Islamic Republic and support the Iranian people.
The coordinated demonstrations, held in at least 34 cities across Europe, Asia, and North America, followed a call by Iranian opposition figure Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.
Footage circulating from multiple locations showed crowds gathering in cities including London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Stockholm, Seoul, Vienna, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC, with participants carrying signs and chanting slogans against the Iranian regime.
Protesters sent a unified message to Washington, urging policymakers not to reach agreements with Tehran and instead to “stay the course” in confronting the regime. Demonstrators argued that the Islamic Republic is in a weakened position and warned that easing pressure could allow it to regroup and intensify internal repression. It was later announced on Sunday that talks between the two parties in Islamabad, Pakistan, had finished with no deal agreed.
Participants also called for sustained international action targeting Iran’s security and judicial apparatus, amid concerns over an increase in executions and continued crackdowns on dissent.
Rallies to amplify voices of those in Iran
According to organizers, the rallies were also intended to amplify the voices of Iranians inside the country, where communication remains restricted under ongoing internet limitations - the internet blackout has now stretched over 40 days inside Iran.
In a statement, Pahlavi said the demonstrations continue to apply pressure in the struggle against the regime.
“The message from hundreds of thousands of Iranians around the world is loud and clear: this is a decisive moment for our nation and the struggle for freedom — the Iranian people will not accept the survival of the murderous regime,” he said. “We urge the international community to stay the course and support the people of Iran in their struggle for freedom.”