Massive Munich Protest Calls for Regime Change in Iran

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi leads 250,000-strong rally against Iranian government

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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About 250,000 people demonstrated in Munich, Germany on Saturday against Iran's government, answering a call from Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi for increased international pressure on Tehran. The giant protest, which included chants of "Change, change, regime change" and protesters wearing "Make Iran Great Again" caps, was part of what Pahlavi described as a "global day of action" to support Iranians following deadly nationwide protests in Iran.

Why it matters

The massive protest in Munich highlights the growing international pressure on Iran's government in the wake of the deadly crackdown on protesters last month. Pahlavi, the son of Iran's deposed shah, is trying to position himself as a key player in Iran's future, though his calls for regime change face skepticism from some.

The details

The protesters, who included U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, waved flags with the pre-1979 Iranian emblem and chanted slogans in favor of Pahlavi and democracy. The rally was held on the sidelines of the annual Munich Security Conference, where Iran was also a focus of protests the previous day by supporters of the Iranian opposition group People's Mujahedeen Organization of Iran.

  • The protest took place on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • Protests were also held the previous day, Friday, February 13, 2026, at the start of the Munich Security Conference.

The players

Reza Pahlavi

The exiled Crown Prince of Iran who called for the global day of action and protests against the Iranian government.

Lindsey Graham

U.S. Senator who gave a speech at the Munich protest and was photographed wearing a "Make Iran Great Again" cap.

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What they’re saying

“We gather at an hour of profound peril to ask: Will the world stand with the people of Iran?”

— Reza Pahlavi, Crown Prince of Iran (wral.com)

“There is an internet blackout and their voices are not going outside of Iran.”

— Daniyal Mohtashamian, Protester from Zurich, Switzerland (wral.com)

What’s next

The U.S. and other world leaders will likely face increasing pressure to take stronger action against the Iranian government in the wake of the deadly crackdown on protesters.

The takeaway

This massive protest in Munich underscores the growing global movement to support the Iranian people and increase pressure on the country's government, which faces renewed scrutiny over its violent response to recent nationwide demonstrations.