Worldwide rallies took place Saturday in support of anti-government demonstrators in Iran, as protests continue despite a violent crackdown by Iranian authorities. The demonstrations came as the United States prepares for further talks with Iranian government representatives amid calls for a change in leadership in Tehran.
Global Solidarity with Iranian Protesters
Hundreds of thousands of people participated in rallies around the world to show solidarity with protesters in Iran. Demonstrations were held in cities including Los Angeles, Washington, Toronto, Tel Aviv, Lisbon, Sydney, and London.
In Munich, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, addressed a crowd of 200,000 people, stating his readiness to lead the country toward a “secular democratic future.” Pahlavi urged Iranians both at home and abroad to continue demonstrating, suggesting they chant slogans from their homes and rooftops at 8pm (1630 GMT) on Saturday and Sunday.
US Involvement and Talks
The rallies coincided with preparations for a new round of talks between Washington and Iranian government representatives in Geneva this week. This is despite former President Donald Trump’s assertion that a change of power in Tehran would be the “best thing.”
Trump, while sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East to increase military pressure on Tehran, reiterated his belief that a change of government in Iran would be beneficial. He had previously threatened military intervention to support the protests that peaked in January.
Representatives from the US and Iran, which have had no diplomatic relations since shortly after the 1979 revolution, held talks on the nuclear program last week in Oman. Oman will also host the upcoming talks in Geneva, according to a Swiss foreign ministry spokesperson.
Crackdown and Opposition
Videos verified by Agence France-Presse show Iranians chanting anti-government slogans this week, even as the clerical leadership celebrated the anniversary of the Islamic revolution.
The US-based Human Rights Activists’ News Agency reports at least 7,010 people, mostly protesters, have been killed in the crackdown, though rights groups believe the actual toll is likely much higher. The agency also reports more than 53,845 arrests.
Pahlavi, based in the US and having not returned to Iran since before the 1979 revolution, faces criticism for his support for Israel and his father’s autocratic rule. The Iranian opposition remains divided.
“The Iranian regime is a dead regime,” said a 62-year-old protester originally from Iran, speaking to Agence France-Presse. “It must be game over.”
Agence France-Presse contributed to this report
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