Thousands Rally for Iran Regime Change in Cities Around the World

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by Sanam Mahoozi, Jonathan Wolfe and Abdi Latif Dahir

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Thousands of protesters gathered in cities worldwide, including Munich, Melbourne, Athens, Tokyo, and London, demanding regime change in Iran. These demonstrations coincided with the Munich Security Conference and came a day after President Trump suggested that a change in government would be ideal for Iran, which has been grappling with unrest. Reza Pahlavi, son of the deposed Iranian shah and an opposition figure in exile, urged protesters to take action on February 14, calling for American intervention. He spoke at the Munich conference, emphasizing the need for external pressure on the Iranian government. The protests were marked by the display of pre-revolutionary Iran flags, symbolizing a desire to return to Iran's roots and challenge the current regime. In Munich alone, approximately 200,000 people participated, according to city police spokeswoman Tamara Djukaric. The demonstrations also took place as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks were set to resume in Geneva on Tuesday. However, tensions remained high, with Trump ordering American warships to the Persian Gulf, signaling a readiness for potential military action if negotiations fail. The global scale of these protests highlights the growing international sentiment against the Iranian government and the belief that external intervention could lead to regime change. The involvement of figures like Pahlavi underscores the historical and political dimensions of the movement, as well as the influence of exile groups in shaping public opinion. As U.S.-Iran relations remain fragile, the outcome of these talks will be closely watched, with the protests serving as a backdrop to broader geopolitical dynamics. This situation matters to readers interested in international politics, as it reflects the ongoing tensions between Iran and the West, the potential for regime change, and the role of global protests in shaping diplomatic outcomes. The demonstrations also raise questions about the feasibility of external intervention and its implications for regional stability.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/14/2026