Massive Munich Protest Condemns Iran Regime, Calls for Pahlavi's Return

250,000 demonstrators rally against the Iranian government and voice support for exiled monarchy

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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An estimated 250,000 people gathered in Munich, Germany on February 14th to protest against the Iranian government and express support for the return of the Pahlavi monarchy. The large-scale demonstration took place as international leaders were convening for the Munich Security Conference, with protesters waving flags of the former Iranian monarchy and chanting slogans in favor of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last Shah. Protesters condemned the violent crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran and called for foreign intervention to support the Iranian people's transition to a new government.

Why it matters

The massive protest in Munich highlights the growing international concern over the situation in Iran and the widespread desire for political change, particularly among the Iranian diaspora. As world leaders gathered to discuss global security challenges, the demonstration served as a powerful signal of the discontent with the current Iranian regime and the support for a return to the Pahlavi monarchy.

The details

The protest, largely comprised of pro-monarchist supporters, took place on the Theresienwiese fairgrounds in Munich. Demonstrators voiced strong condemnation of the Islamic Republic's leadership, particularly in the wake of the deadly repression of nationwide protests in January. Many protesters openly expressed support for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last Shah of Iran, and waved flags bearing the emblem of the former monarchy. Chants of 'Javid shah' (long live the shah), 'Pahlavi bar migarde' (Pahlavi is coming back), and 'Reza II' reflected calls for Pahlavi to assume a leadership role in a future Iran.

  • The protest took place on Saturday, February 14th, 2026.
  • Earlier on the same day, Pahlavi addressed the Munich Security Conference, appealing for international assistance to the Iranian people.

The players

Reza Pahlavi

The exiled son of the last Shah of Iran, who has called for a transitional government and a referendum in Iran.

Ali Farzad

A 40-year-old protester who said the demonstration was to support the people in Iran that were murdered by the 'mullah regime'.

Said

A 62-year-old protester from Iran who stated that 'the Iranian regime is a dead regime' and 'it must be game over'.

Razieh Shahverdi

A 34-year-old Iranian living in Paris and working in marketing, who attended the protest to 'amplify the voices' of those protesting in Iran and to show support for Pahlavi.

Riana

A 40-year-old doctor based in Germany who expressed skepticism towards ongoing international negotiations with Iran, arguing that the current leadership lacks legitimacy.

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What they’re saying

“We are here today to support the people in Iran that were murdered by the mullah regime. And we are here to support Reza Pahlavi as our leader through the transition for a period.”

— Ali Farzad, Protester (AFP)

“The Iranian regime is a dead regime. It must be game over.”

— Said, 62-year-old protester (AFP)

“So that is why we are here, to amplify their voices and to show our support. We are here to ask the world to support the leader of Iranians in the transition phase, to have a transitional government and then to have a referendum. And also we need intervention from the foreign powers.”

— Razieh Shahverdi, 34-year-old Iranian living in Paris (AFP)

“They shouldn't talk to them because they are not actually a government. We don't like them, we don't accept them. When a government kills their people on the street, they are not (trustworthy).”

— Riana, 40-year-old doctor (AFP)

“The people that you are negotiating with are not representative of the Iranian people.”

— Ali Farzad, Protester (AFP)

What’s next

Reza Pahlavi's call for international assistance and a 'humanitarian intervention' to support the Iranian people's transition to a new government will likely be a key focus of ongoing diplomatic discussions.

The takeaway

The massive protest in Munich underscores the growing global opposition to the Iranian regime and the widespread desire for political change, particularly among the Iranian diaspora. The demonstration serves as a powerful signal to the international community that the current Iranian leadership lacks legitimacy and that support is building for a return to the Pahlavi monarchy.