London Demonstration Shows Support for US-Israel Military Action Against Iran
Approximately 200 demonstrators assembled outside the Iranian embassy in central London on Sunday afternoon, vocally expressing their backing for the recent United States and Israeli strikes on Iran. The gathering, which took place near Hyde Park, saw participants standing behind police barriers directly opposite the diplomatic mission, with chants of "shame on you" echoing through the streets.
Symbolic Flags and Political Portraits Dominate the Scene
Many protesters waved historical Iranian flags featuring the lion and sun emblem, symbols that predate the 1979 Iranian Revolution and represent the nation's ancient monarchy. Alongside these, numerous US and Israeli flags were prominently displayed, alongside portraits of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bearing the inscription "We Trust You." Several individuals held images of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the initial air strikes the previous Saturday.
Personal Testimonies from Iranian Diaspora Supporters
Parisa Ashkboos, 47, and her mother Zari, 67, traveled from Leicester specifically to participate in the demonstration. Holding both a former Iranian flag and an Israeli flag, Parisa Ashkboos stated, "We want the world to hear us and see we are with the war, and we know this war is good for us." She characterized the Iranian government as "a terrorist regime" and expressed gratitude toward the US and Israel, saying, "Thankfully, Israel and America decided to help us, to be our saviour, and we are so thankful to them. We are delighted that somebody decided to do something, because we just couldn't give more death. We just couldn't."
Soby Amiri, 37, who attended with his family, remarked that the death of Ayatollah Khamenei was "the price you have to pay for freedom." He explained, "Me and all my family decided to come to show our presence and support. So maybe the UK government can recognise that actually most Iranians are very happy and supportful of what's happening in Iran right now. Unfortunately, blood has been shed, but this government will now live without killing more innocent people."
Reyhan Sadeghi, 61, expressed profound thankfulness to the US and Israel for the military strikes. Holding a picture of President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, she said, "We are so happy. We are thankful to the US and Israel, for fighting for us, for helping us. Because they are." When questioned about the Supreme Leader's death, she responded, "We are happy. We are over the moon, and we are dancing." She further pointed at the embassy, clarifying, "This is the embassy of the Islamic Republic."
Police Presence and Protest Dynamics
Dozens of police officers were deployed at the demonstration and surrounding the Iranian embassy, following an announcement by the Metropolitan Police that patrols across London had been increased in anticipation of several weekend gatherings and protests. Throughout the afternoon, dozens of cars and motorcycles adorned with old Iranian flags drove past the embassy, with drivers revving engines and sounding horns in solidarity.
Protesters cheered and applauded as members of The Lion Guard of Iran marched past on their way to the Israeli embassy located a few streets away. The demonstration concluded around 5:30 PM, after conditions imposed by the Metropolitan Police earlier that Sunday were met, leading to the peaceful dispersal of the crowd.
