Hundreds Rally in Santa Monica for Pro-Shah, Anti-Regime Demonstration

Protesters call for end to Islamic Republic, freedom for political prisoners, and return of Pahlavi monarchy

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:00am

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A warm, nostalgic painting of a solitary Iranian flag or political symbol in a sunlit urban setting, conveying the pent-up frustration and hope of the Iranian diaspora's fight for freedom.The vibrant pro-democracy rally in Santa Monica reflects the Iranian diaspora's sustained efforts to keep international attention on the regime's human rights abuses.Santa Monica Today

Roughly 200 protesters gathered at the Third Street Promenade in downtown Santa Monica on Sunday, April 19, 2026, for a vocal 'Freedom for Iran' rally that blended calls for regime change with explicit support for the return of the Pahlavi monarchy. The event, promoted as 'LA Stands for Iran,' drew Iranian-Americans and supporters who turned the popular shopping promenade into a platform for dissent against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Why it matters

The rally reflected months of sustained activism by Iranian-Americans frustrated with the Islamic Republic's crackdowns, executions, and human-rights record. Similar rallies have drawn thousands in Los Angeles in recent weeks, often featuring calls for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince and son of the last Shah, to play a leading role in any democratic transition in Iran.

The details

Protesters filled the promenade carrying large signs featuring photographs of Iranians arrested, imprisoned, or disappeared under the current regime. Many waved the pre-1979 Lion and Sun flag of Iran — a potent symbol of the Pahlavi era — and chanted anti-regime slogans including 'Freedom for Iran,' 'Democracy for Iran,' 'Down with the Islamic Republic,' and variations demanding accountability for political prisoners and executions.

  • The demonstration was scheduled for 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
  • Organizers had announced the demonstration days in advance.

The players

Reza Pahlavi

The exiled Crown Prince and son of the last Shah of Iran, who has become a unifying figure for some in the Iranian diaspora calling for a post-regime transition.

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The takeaway

The rally underscores the ongoing efforts by the Iranian diaspora to keep international pressure on Tehran and amplify the voices of those unable to speak freely inside Iran. The growing calls for Reza Pahlavi to play a leading role in a post-regime transition reflect a shift towards more explicit support for the restoration of the Pahlavi monarchy among some Iranian-American activists.