A dramatic scene unfolded outside the Iranian Embassy in London on Friday when a demonstrator scaled the façade of the building, removed the current national flag of the Islamic Republic, and hoisted the former “Lion and Sun” banner from the pre-1979 monarchy era. The incident drew loud cheers from a crowd gathered in support of anti-government unrest currently gripping Iran.
Police officers moved quickly to contain the situation. Authorities confirmed two arrests linked to the demonstration – one individual on allegations of aggravated trespass and assaulting an emergency worker, and another for aggravated trespass. A third suspect is being sought for trespassing. Officials have not clarified whether the flag climber was among those detained. Embassy staff later confirmed the official Iranian flag had been restored to its position.
The London demonstration was one of many rallies erupting across multiple countries as protests inside Iran continued for a third week. Originally sparked by economic frustration, the unrest has rapidly evolved into widespread calls for political change. Images and videos shared online show demonstrators holding photos of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince and son of Iran’s last monarch, who advocates for a democratic future for the country.
Human rights groups tracking the situation from outside Iran report a steep rise in casualties and arrests. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 72 people have been killed and more than 2,300 detained. Iranian authorities have imposed extensive internet and telecommunications restrictions, significantly hampering communication and independent reporting from within the country.
Tensions escalated further on Saturday after Iran’s Attorney General, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, issued a stark warning declaring that participation in demonstrations would be treated as opposition to God – a charge that carries the death penalty under Iranian law. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has repeatedly criticized demonstrators, labeling them agitators and disorderly elements.
Solidarity events have since spread well beyond Europe. Hundreds gathered on the Las Vegas Strip on Saturday, where many of Iranian descent appealed for global attention and increased international pressure on Tehran. Similar rallies have taken place in Paris, Berlin, and outside the White House in Washington, D.C., as diaspora communities attempt to amplify messages from within Iran amid the blackout.
Western governments have voiced sharp criticism over the response. In a coordinated statement last week, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany expressed “deep concern” over reports of lethal force being used against civilians and called on Iranian authorities to respect freedoms of speech and assembly.
In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump commented that Iran was “in serious turmoil,” warning that any mass killings would trigger a forceful response, though he clarified there would be no U.S. ground troops. Protesters in Las Vegas referenced the remarks, speculating that Tehran might be testing how far it could push without provoking international military action.
With foreign journalists unable to freely report from inside the country, media outlets have relied heavily on testimony, social media uploads, and diaspora networks to verify events. Despite attempts to quash communication, demonstrations inside Iran continue into their 13th day with no indication of weakening momentum.
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