A demonstrator scaled the Iranian embassy in London on Saturday and removed the current Iranian flag, replacing it briefly with a flag associated with pre-revolutionary Iran. The incident occurred during a protest involving hundreds of people expressing solidarity with ongoing demonstrations within Iran.
Footage circulating online shows the individual ascending the embassy building to cheers from the crowd below. The flag, bearing the “Lion and Sun” emblem historically used before the 1979 revolution, was then raised in place of the flag of the Islamic Republic.
Witnesses report that the flag remained in place for several minutes before being taken down. The incident highlights the tensions surrounding the protests currently gripping Iran.
The protests in Iran began approximately two weeks ago, initially triggered by rising prices and deteriorating living conditions. The value of the Iranian currency has plummeted, with the dollar increasing by over 21% in December alone. This economic pressure has fueled widespread discontent.
The protests have spread across numerous Iranian provinces, with significant demonstrations reported in major cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, Hamadan, Qom, Ahvaz, and Kermanshah. The unrest reflects deep-seated frustration with the economic situation and broader political issues within the country.
DZWatch will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
