“Thank You U.S.”: Thousands Rally Across Europe After Khamenei’s Killing
From Amsterdam to London and Berlin, Iranian communities held gatherings calling for freedom, justice, and a return to Iran’s former monarchy under Reza Pahlavi.
Anti-Iranian regime protesters wave a giant pre-revolutiona Iranian flag (R), an Israeli flag (L) and a U.S. flag (rear C) as they gather during a march in support of the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran and the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, in Paris on March 1, 2026.
ANNA KURTH / AFP
From Amsterdam to London and Berlin, Iranian communities held gatherings calling for freedom, justice, and a return to Iran’s former monarchy under Reza Pahlavi.
Hundreds of Iranian nationals gathered in the centre of The Hague and on the Dam in Amsterdam over the weekend to celebrate the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in attacks carried out by U.S. and Israeli forces. In Amsterdam, bottles of champagne were opened and sweets were distributed among the crowd.
Many participants carried the Persian flag bearing the ancient Lion and Sun symbol, removed by the Islamic Republic after the 1979 Revolution.
“We’re not happy about war, of course, but this is the only option,” activist Nastaran Beik Pourian said, adding “We need other countries.”
Pejman Akbarzadeh, director of the Persian Dutch Network, said that while the Islamic regime in Tehran had declared 40 days of national mourning, what he observed among many inside the country and in the diaspora “feels more like 40 days of national celebration.” He compared the moment to fighting a cancerous tumour for years with no result and then suddenly being told it is gone, expressing hope that it marks the beginning of freedom for Iran and its people.
Many in Amsterdam held photos of Reza Pahlavi, the former crown prince, whom some consider the most prominent opposition leader. Farzad, an engineer living in the Dutch capital, said it may sound strange to celebrate the killing of a dictator by the United States and Israel during wartime, but argued that Khamenei was responsible for the deaths of thousands of civilians in Iran.
In Brussels, more than 1,500 people gathered in central areas at the initiative of the Iranian diaspora in Belgium and Europe. Around 1,600 people attended, according to police, including Belgian political figures. Demonstrators marched after speeches expressing solidarity with the Iranian people. Israeli and American flags were visible in the crowd. “We sincerely hope this will also be the end of the regime,” said Parnian Robatsarpooshi.
In Germany, thousands rallied in Berlin, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt. At least 1,800 people gathered at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, with 5,000 registered for the event entitled “Freedom for Iran under the leadership of Prince Reza Pahlavi.”
Chants of “Iran, Iran,” “Thank you U.S.,” “Thank you Trump” and “Thank you Bibi” were reported. In Düsseldorf, around 5,000 people assembled under the slogan “Freedom for Iran.” In Frankfurt, activist Nasrin Jalali said
Today we are celebrating the death of the greatest dictator in the world, Khamenei.
In London and Manchester, parts of the Iranian community also reacted with celebration. Thousands gathered along Finchley Road in north London, waving flags. Some expressed relief at the ayatollah’s death while acknowledging uncertainty about Iran’s future. Others voiced hopes for peace and change, with backing Reza Pahlavi as a potential leader.
“We want the king to return,” said Ali, a cafe owner in Stockport, adding: “We want his son, we want him to rule.”
Internet access in Iran has been largely cut off since Saturday morning, leaving many unable to contact relatives abroad. Meanwhile, KLM suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv, Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam, citing safety concerns.
