Anti-government protests have erupted again in the Iranian capital, Tehran. Residents of the Ekbatan district chanted slogans targeting the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the night from Sunday to Monday. These protests are a response to numerous demonstrations by the Iranian opposition in exile, which took place last weekend in many cities worldwide, demanding democratic changes in the country.

Night Chants in the Capital

Residents of eastern Tehran chanted slogans such as "Death to Khamenei" from their balconies, directly challenging the authority of Iran's Supreme Leader.

Diaspora Mobilization

Last weekend, tens of thousands of people demonstrated in Munich and other global metropolises against the rule of the ayatollahs.

Return of Monarchist Slogans

Among the demands, rare calls for a return to monarchist tradition appeared, interpreted as an expression of extreme disappointment with the current system.

Residents of Tehran have once again expressed their dissatisfaction with the rule of the Islamic Republic. In the Ekbatan district, located in the eastern part of the capital, chants of "Death to Khamenei" and "Death to the Islamic Republic" echoed from balconies and windows. Witnesses and exile media also report slogans praising the former monarchy, including the cry "Long live the Shah", which refers to the system overthrown in 1979. These incidents occurred shortly after tens of thousands of people participated in demonstrations by the Iranian diaspora in cities such as Munich and Washington. The 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran led to the overthrow of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the transformation of Iran into a theocracy under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini. Since then, the country has been under the rule of conservative clergy, which regularly causes social and political tensions.The resumption of protests comes just a month after the brutal suppression by the Revolutionary Guard of a wave of mass demonstrations that swept across Iran. Ayatollah Khamenei, in power since 1989, remains the main target of verbal attacks by protesters, who blame him for repression and the poor economic situation. Theocracy in Iran now faces one of the most serious challenges in its history, and the recurring chants from balconies are a form of resistance that is difficult to completely pacify using security forces. Analysts emphasize that the new wave of dissent is closely linked to diplomatic pressure on Tehran. Reports of protests coincide with news of planned talks between Iran and the USA. Opposition in exile is increasingly effective in mobilizing public opinion in the West, undermining the legitimacy of the current authorities on the international stage. Moreover, the fact that protests have moved to gated communities indicates deep frustration among the middle class, which has so far been more cautious in expressing views. 30 days — since the suppression of the last mass protests „Even if you silence us on the streets, we will shout from our rooftops until we succeed.” — Resident of Ekbatan district

Mentioned People

  • Ali Chamenei — The Supreme Leader of Iran, against whom the main slogans of the protesters are directed.