Lion-emblazoned flags of pre-revolution Iran fluttered in cities across Europe as protesters gathered on Saturday to express support for the Iranian people amid the ongoing war with the US and Israel.
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Many of the demonstrators, including in Berlin, Stockholm and Paris, voiced support for the exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, who presents himself as an alternative after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in an Israeli-American strike.
In London, people demonstrated against the war while some others marched in support of Khamenei.
Between 5,000 and 6,000 people attended the “Hands Off Iran” march, according to the Metropolitan Police, chanting “stop the bombing now, now, now”.
Paris saw two demonstrations: one supporting the son of the late shah to head up a transition, and another denouncing that scenario.
“I support Pahlavi who is calling for a revolution,” Masoud Ghanaatian, a 35-year-old student said at a protest in southern Paris, where participants carried photos of the late shah’s son and waved US, Israeli and pre-revolution Iran flags.
“He’s a democrat. He can oversee a transition and promises to organise elections.”
But other protesters wearing yellow vests reading “Free Iran” showed off stickers on their hands that read “No Shah, no Mullah”.
Hundreds of pro-Pahlavi demonstrations also gathered in Stockholm, holding up pictures of him and his late father.
In Amsterdam, protesters marched along one of the city’s canals, holding up Israeli, American and pre-revolution Iran flags, as they called on the government to invite Pahlavi to the country and to close the Iranian embassy.
Shortly after dawn in Britain, anti-war protesters gathered at the entrance of an air force base in Fairford, southwest of England, holding signs reading “Hands off Iran,” “Peace” and “Yanks go home”.
US President Donald Trump has promised to help rebuild Iran’s economy if Tehran installs someone “acceptable” to him to replace its late supreme leader.
Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, said the US would have no role in selecting Khamenei’s successor.
“The selection of Iran’s leadership will take place strictly in accordance with our constitutional procedures and solely by the will of the Iranian people, without any foreign interference,” he added.
