From Los Angeles to London: Worldwide Protests in Solidarity With Iranians

Deadly protests have spread across Iran’s 31 provinces as demonstrators, who initially took to the streets over economic instability, rally against the Islamic regime that has been in power since 1979. The death toll is thought to be in the thousands as the authorities continue their crackdown on the protests.

The tensions in Iran are having a global impact, also. President Donald Trump is considering “very strong options” regarding a military intervention, having previously vowed to get involved if Iran killed any protesters. Tehran, by way of a response, has said it is “prepared for war” but is also ready for negotiations with the U.S., providing no intervention is put into motion.

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As Iranian protesters face an increasingly dangerous landscape, all in the midst of a nationwide Internet blackout courtesy of the authorities, communities across the world have taken to the streets in a show of solidarity. Some global demonstrations have been entirely peaceful, others have seen chaotic scenes unfold.

Here are some of the most significant protests that have taken place in solidarity with those rallying against the Islamic regime in Iran. 

Los Angeles

Protesters marched in Los Angeles on Sunday with many holding anti-Islamic regime signage. Others held up signs that read “Make Iran Great Again,” seemingly in reference to Trump’s trademark Make America Great Again slogan. The demonstration however turned dangerous when a U-Haul truck drove into crowd, ultimately injuring one man, who was treated on-scene for minor injuries, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed.

“The driver was taken into custody. He sustained some injuries during an altercation after the traffic collision,” said LAPD captain Richard Galbadon.

LAPD confirmed to TIME on Monday that the suspect had been released from hospital. They were unable to provide further information regarding the investigation.

Standing alongside L.A. Mayor Karen Bass on Sunday night, Galbadon confirmed that police were “looking at possible assault with a deadly weapon [the vehicle].”

A video of the incident showed the truck branded with slogans: “No Shah. No Regime. U.S.A., don’t repeat 1953,” in reference to the U.S.-backed coup against elected Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh, who was toppled.

Aerial footage capturing the moments after the truck came to a standstill shows protesters seemingly attempting to gain access to the driver as police officers removed him from the vehicle. Officers accompanied the driver away from crowds and he was detained.

Washington, D.C. 

Demonstrations in solidarity with Iranian protesters have taken place in D.C. since the first week of January, with the Interests Section of Iran in the United States offices proving to be a particular focal point for those gathering.

Some demonstrators outside the White House over the weekend held up a large banner which read: “Support the Iranian people’s uprising for a Democratic Republic.” Another sign referenced the fight to liberate Iran, stating: “Iranian people want regime change.”

Activist Group D.C. Protests For Iran have advertised further protests for Jan. 17 at Lafayette Square, across the White House.

London

Multiple protests took place outside the Iranian embassy in London over the weekend, with some demonstrators continuing their efforts—albeit as part of a smaller crowd—on Monday morning.

In an image that has since been shared worldwide, one protester climbed onto the roof of the embassy’s entrance on Saturday and replaced the flag of the Islamic Republic with that of the flag previously used by the Pahlavi dynasty. The flag, which includes a lion and sun in place of the current Islamic Republic emblem, has long been used by anti-regime protesters and Iranian diaspora.

Trump referenced the incident on Truth Social, sharing a snippet of an article that stated: “Protester scales Iranian embassy in London, tears down regime flag, hoists pre-revolution symbol.”

Metropolitan Police said it was aware of the incident and confirmed that two arrests had been made thus far: “One for aggravated trespass and assault on an emergency worker and one for aggravated trespass.” Officers are seeking further information related to another individual suspected of trespassing. A heightened police presence remains stationed outside the embassy.

The Iranian Embassy in London posted a picture on X of the Islamic Republic flag restored on Sunday. The U.K. ambassador to Iran, Hugo Shorter, was later summoned following the incident.

“The U.K. ambassador was reminded that the British government is responsible to protect the safety of Iran’s embassy, diplomats, staffers, and diplomatic missions in the U.K.,” state media outlet Tasnim reported.

TIME has reached out to the U.K. ambassador’s office for comment.

Protests also took place outside Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Downing Street residence over the weekend. This came after Starmer joined forces with leaders from France and Germany to publish a joint statement on Jan.9, expressing deep concern over reports of violence by the Iranian authorities and condemning “the killing” of protesters. “We urge the Iranian authorities to exercise restraint, to refrain from violence, and to uphold the fundamental rights of Iran’s citizens,” the statement read.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper doubled down on the sentiment, adding that U.K. leadership has “urged the Iranian authorities to respect the fundamental rights of their people to take part in peaceful protests, without fear of violence or reprisals.”

Paris

In the French capital, crowds of demonstrators held up anti-regime flags, as well as pictures of Reza Pahlavi, the son of former Iranian Shah Mohamed Reza Pahlevi and the main opposition figure to the Islamic regime. Some burned Islamic Republic flags and pictures of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

One Iranian student at the protests said he was waiting to hear the latest of what Pahlavi had to say in response to the protests. “In Iran, the people are rising up in the streets, and we Iranians outside Iran are here to show we are with them and they are not alone,” the student, named Arya, was quoted as telling AFP.

French President Emmanuel Macron, meanwhile, criticized how Iran’s security forces have responded to the protests.

“I condemn the state violence that indiscriminately targets Iranian women and men who courageously demand respect for their rights,” said Macron, adding that he “stands” with those who defend “fundamental freedoms.”

Istanbul

In Turkey, demonstrators vowed to be a “voice for the voiceless,” in reference to the Islamic Republic’s suppression on the freedom of speech and the ongoing Internet blackout.

Nina, an Iranian living in Turkey, is quoted as telling AFP: “It’s been 72 hours since we had any news from the country, from our families. No internet or television, we can’t reach Iran anymore.”

One protester had the colors of the Iranian flag across her face, with red tears painted below her eyes. Another demonstrator was seen holding an image of Trump that read: “President Trump, help us, please.”

But the Turkish government has advised against foreign intervention in Iran.

Ömer Çelik, the spokesperson for Turkey’s ruling AK Party, said on Monday that the issue should be resolved internally. “We believe that foreign intervention will lead to even worse consequences, and that intervention provoked by Israel in particular will lead to even greater crises,” said Çelik.

Madrid

A number of protesters have been congregating in the Spanish capital, with many waving anti-regime flags. A group of demonstrators were also pictured standing on the flag of the Islamic Republic.

While the Spanish government has not officially commented in response to the chaos in Iran, the country’s opposition has voiced its support for those protesting.

“The people of Iran are fighting for their freedom, with women at the forefront,” said Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the president of the People’s Party, on Jan.9. “Spain must support without ambiguity those who risk their lives to be free. Without silences. Without nuances.”