A protester climbed onto the balcony of the Iranian embassy in central London and pulled down the country’s flag during an anti-regime demonstration on Saturday. Social media footage showed the man replacing the flag with the pre-Islamic revolution lion and sun flag, a symbol used by opposition groups.
The Metropolitan police estimated that between 500 and 1,000 people attended the protest at its peak in Kensington. Two arrests were made: one for aggravated trespass and assault on an emergency worker, and one for aggravated trespass. Officers are also seeking another individual for trespass. The force said there was no serious disorder and officers would remain in the area to ensure the embassy’s security.
The Iranian embassy later posted a picture on its X account showing the flag back in place, with the caption 'Iran’s flag is flying high'. Demonstrations against the regime have been held outside Iranian embassies worldwide, including in Berlin, where hundreds waved the former imperial flag and carried pictures of exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi.
The protests in Iran, which began on 28 December, have become the most significant challenge to the regime for several years. At least 62 people are reported to have been killed and 2,300 detained during weeks of unrest, initially sparked by anger over the country’s ailing economy. Iran’s leaders have shut down access to the internet and international telephone calls in response.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper praised those speaking out against the government of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying they should not face 'the threat of violence or reprisals'. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the killing of protesters and urged Tehran to 'exercise restraint'. A UK government spokesperson said the UK was 'deeply concerned' by reports of violence and was monitoring the situation closely.
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the former shah, has called for protesters to take to the streets and seize control of their towns. In a social media post, he urged people to hoist the pre-1979 'lion and sun' flag and said the Islamic Republic would be brought 'to its knees'.
