Pro-Change Demonstrations in Iran and the Diaspora: Lion and Sun Flags and Support for the US and Israel in the Streets
Protests in favor of political change and demonstrations of support are taking place among Iranians and in the diaspora, with the use of historical flags and symbols against the regime, in response to the current escalation in the region.
Following a series of military attacks involving the United States and Israel against targets in Iran, reports and videos have emerged on social media showing scenes of demonstrations and diverse reactions, both inside and outside the country.
Within Iran, some public images recorded before potential internet blackouts show groups of young people in the streets of cities like Tehran reacting to the attacks with celebrations, dances, and expressions of support for actions against the theocratic regime. Several of these videos show people celebrating amidst plumes of smoke and raising historical flags and symbols of opposition, including the old national flag with the “Lion and Sun.”
Abroad, larger demonstrations by Iranians in the diaspora have been documented in several European and North American cities in recent months. In Munich, for example, authorities estimated that around 200,000 participants marched against the Iranian government, carrying Lion and Sun flags and pro-regime change slogans. In Malmö, Sweden, groups also gathered calling for political change in Iran with similar symbols.
These overseas demonstrations occur within the context of a “global day of action” in solidarity with the Iranian people, with large international gatherings in support of overthrowing the current leadership and restoring civil and political rights. Analysts highlight that the use of the Lion and Sun flag and monarchist slogans in the demonstrations—symbols that were common before the 1979 Revolution—reflects a segment of the opposition that sees a return to national traditions as a way to express dissent against the current theocratic regime.
Meanwhile, there are also protests of repudiation within parts of Iran against the foreign attacks, with chants of slogans against the US and Israel—a demonstration of the deep internal division over the recent hostilities.
The situation remains dynamic, with demonstrations occurring in different parts of the world, expressing both support and opposition to the scenario of military escalation and its political implications in Iran and beyond.
???????? BREAKING NEWS: The people of Iran are FLOODING the streets of Western cities, waving the Lion and Sun flags alongside the flags of the US and Israel, celebrating the future of a free Iran.#Iran #IranWar #Israel #USA
The people of Iran want to reclaim their country. ???? pic.twitter.com/ECfKbXmJAV — K13 News (@K13News) February 28, 2026
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