On February 14, approximately 250,000 individuals participated in a demonstration in Munich, according to German police reports. This event is noted as the largest protest in European history organized by opponents of the Iranian government.
The protest, held in the Bavarian capital, was part of a global initiative led by Reza Pahlavi, the last son of the deposed Shah of Iran, who was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Pahlavi, a prominent figure among the Iranian opposition in exile, received a warm welcome upon his arrival.
“Today, you see the horizon of victory closer than ever,”
Pahlavi stated to the crowd, which he described as one of the largest gatherings of Iranians worldwide. Additional mass protests are anticipated in cities such as Los Angeles and Toronto.
Demonstrators traveled to Munich from various parts of Europe, expressing outrage over the violent crackdown on protesters in Iran during January, where security forces reportedly killed thousands.
One participant, identified as Rasul, shared with Radio Free Europe that he had come from the Netherlands to support his fellow countrymen. He urged Western nations to back the protesters in Iran.
“This regime is weaker now than ever. If the U.S. and Europe assist us in military actions, the people can see this through to the end,”
he added. His sentiments were echoed by numerous banners at the protest calling for U.S. military intervention in Iran.
U.S. naval forces in the Persian Gulf are currently positioned within striking distance of Iran, representing one of the largest concentrations of American military assets in the region in recent years. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously expressed support for Iranian protesters and hinted that American forces could intervene to protect them.
However, negotiations between American and Iranian officials appear to be focused on other issues, including Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, as well as its network of proxy forces in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.
During a press conference earlier on February 14, Pahlavi called on Trump to take action.
“The Iranian people have heard you say, ‘Help is on the way,’ and they believe in you. Help them, and history will record you alongside not only the greatest heroes of the Iranian nation but also the greatest heroes of the world,”
he remarked.
Other Iranian opposition groups in exile also announced similar demonstrations in Munich on February 13-14, coinciding with the annual Security Conference attended by global leaders.
Specifically, a significantly smaller protest was organized by the National Council of Resistance of Iran on February 13, which rejects both the current Iranian government and the concept of monarchical rule.
In late December and January, Iran experienced widespread protests. Initially, participants focused on demands related to the economic crisis, but later chants against the government emerged.
Official reports indicate 3,117 fatalities, while the human rights organization HRANA claims to have verified data showing at least 6,713 deaths, primarily among protesters. Other human rights organizations and media outlets provide varying figures, all of which remain unverified.
The Munich protest on February 14 drew around 250,000 participants, marking a significant mobilization against the Iranian regime. Organized by Reza Pahlavi, the event reflects growing international support for Iranian opposition amid ongoing violent crackdowns in Iran.