In a historic demonstration of dissent, Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s deposed Shah, addressed an estimated 200,000 supporters at a Munich rally on Saturday, February 14, 2026, declaring his readiness to spearhead Iran’s transition to secular democracy. The massive gathering, one of the largest organized by the Iranian diaspora, served as a powerful show of opposition to Tehran’s current Islamic regime.
Pahlavi’s address outlined a clear vision for political transformation, emphasizing his commitment to facilitating a democratic process rather than imposing leadership. “I am here to guarantee a transition to a secular democratic future,” he proclaimed to the enthusiastic crowd. “I am committed to being the leader of transition for you so we can one day have the final opportunity to decide the fate of our country through a democratic, transparent process at the ballot box.”
The event coincided with the Munich Security Conference, where Pahlavi separately appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump for support. In his press conference remarks, the exiled prince directly referenced Trump’s previous statements, saying: “To President Trump… The Iranian people heard you say help is on the way, and they have faith in you. Help them.” He further emphasized that it was “time to end the Islamic republic,” signaling a coordinated effort between the opposition movement and potential international allies.
The demonstration represents a significant mobilization of Iran’s diaspora community and reflects growing organized resistance against Tehran’s government. Police estimates of attendance numbers indicate the substantial scale of support for regime change initiatives among exiled Iranians and their supporters.