Hundreds of thousands of people have participated in rallies worldwide to express solidarity with anti-government protesters in Iran, who continue to face brutal repression. The demonstrations were held in cities including Munich, Los Angeles, Washington, Toronto, Tel Aviv, Lisbon, Sydney, and London.
In Munich, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah, addressed a crowd of 200,000, declaring his readiness to lead Iran towards a 'secular democratic future'. Pahlavi, who has not returned to Iran since before the 1979 Islamic revolution, urged Iranians at home and abroad to continue protesting, calling for chants from rooftops at 8pm local time.
The US is preparing for fresh talks with Iranian representatives in Geneva this week, despite President Trump's assertion that a change of power in Tehran would be the 'best thing'. Trump has sent a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East, increasing military pressure on Iran.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists' News Agency, at least 7,010 people, mostly protesters, have been killed in the crackdown, with over 53,845 arrested. Rights groups suggest the true toll is likely higher.
The Iranian opposition remains divided, and Pahlavi has faced criticism for his support of Israel and his father's autocratic rule.
