Canada calls for regime change in Iran as mass rallies spread worldwide

“We will not open diplomatic relationships with Iran unless there is a regime change. Period,” Anand said.

By World Israel News Staff

Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators gathered in cities around the world Saturday, calling for regime change in Iran and urging stronger international action against the country’s ruling clerical regime.

In northern Toronto, Canada, an estimated 350,000 people took part in one of the largest rallies, chanting support for exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and waving red, white, and green flags bearing the golden lion emblem used by Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Many protesters draped themselves in the historic flag while demanding an end to government repression following months of anti-regime protests inside Iran that have been met with violent crackdowns.

In Los Angeles, Iran’s exiled crown princess joined tens of thousands of demonstrators during a “Global Day of Action” rally near City Hall.

Protesters marched through downtown streets waving flags and carrying a massive banner reading, “Help is on the way,” as participants expressed solidarity with Iranians confronting the regime.

More than 250,000 protesters also rallied in Munich, where demonstrations unfolded alongside the Munich Security Conference, drawing heightened international attention to unrest inside Iran.

The gatherings formed part of what Pahlavi described as a coordinated global day of action, with major demonstrations organized across several cities with large Iranian diaspora communities.

Human rights groups say the regime’s crackdown has exacted a heavy toll. The Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates that at least 7,000 people have been killed since December, while some opposition sources place the number as high as 35,000.

Independent verification remains difficult due to internet blackouts and strict restrictions on journalists operating inside Iran.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, where Iranian government officials were barred from attending, Pahlavi called for stronger international pressure on Tehran and warned against prolonged negotiations with the regime.

He said U.S. military intervention could ultimately save lives and urged President Donald Trump’s administration not to spend excessive time pursuing a nuclear agreement.

“It’s a matter of time,” Pahlavi said. “We are hoping that this attack will expedite the process and the people can be finally back in the streets and take it all the way to the ultimate regime’s downfall.”

Pahlavi, who has lived in exile since before his father was overthrown during the 1979 revolution, has increasingly positioned himself as a leading opposition voice advocating democratic transition in Iran.

The protests coincided with increasingly direct statements from Western leaders.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Ottawa would not restore diplomatic relations with Tehran without political change, declaring, “We will not open diplomatic relationships with Iran unless there is a regime change. Period.”

She also announced new sanctions targeting seven individuals linked to the Iranian government, citing ongoing human rights abuses.

In the United States, President Donald Trump was asked Friday whether he supported regime change in Iran and responded that it “seems like that would be the best thing that could happen,” adding that “there are people” who could lead the country after decades of rule by the Islamic Republic.

The coordinated demonstrations and growing political pressure highlight increasing international focus on Iran’s internal unrest as opposition groups seek to translate global support into momentum for change inside the country.