Iranian Protesters in Paris Demand Overthrow of Government, Inspired by Trump’s Pressure Campaign
Thousands of Iranian protesters gathered in Paris on Saturday, calling for the fall of Iran’s government. According to Reuters, the rally was organized by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an opposition group banned in Iran. The protesters were hopeful that U.S. President Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran could lead to change in their country.
The NCRI’s leader, Maryam Rajavi, told the crowd, “Your time is up. With or without negotiations, with or without nuclear weapons, your downfall is coming.” The protesters waved Iranian flags and chanted slogans against Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
Hundreds of Ukrainians also joined the rally, accusing Iran of supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine. Iryna Serdiuk, a Ukrainian nurse now living in Germany, said she came to Paris to stand with the Iranian opposition. “We share a common enemy. The Iranian government supports Russia with weapons, but these protesters support Ukraine. Together, we will win,” she said.
The NCRI, once labeled a terrorist group by the U.S. and EU until 2012, remains one of the few Iranian opposition groups able to organize large protests. Critics question its influence inside Iran, but supporters like Mohammad Sabetraftar, an Iranian exile in the UK, believe it is the only group capable of bringing democracy to Iran.
“We don’t need money or weapons from the West. We just need them to stop supporting the Iranian government and increase pressure on it,” Sabetraftar said.
Reuters reports that Iran has repeatedly called for action against the NCRI in cities like Paris, Riyadh, and Washington. The group is often criticized in Iranian state media.
Earlier this year, Trump’s Ukraine envoy spoke at an NCRI event in Paris, outlining the U.S. plan to pressure Iran economically to force changes in its nuclear and military policies.
Young protesters like Homa Sabetraftar, a 16-year-old schoolgirl from Britain, also attended the rally. She said, “Many people in Iran don’t have a voice. I’m here to represent the youth and push for a better future.”
The protest highlights the growing frustration among Iranians and their allies, who see Trump’s tough stance as a chance to challenge Iran’s government. However, the road to change remains uncertain, with the regime showing no signs of backing down.
Credit: This summary is based on reporting by Reuters.