Massive Berlin Rally Marks Iranian Revolution Anniversary Amid Heightened Diplomatic Tensions

On Saturday, February 7, the German capital of Berlin became the focal point for a significant demonstration in solidarity with the ongoing popular uprising in Iran. This gathering was specifically timed to coincide with the anniversary of the 1979 anti-monarchy revolution, providing a profound historical and political backdrop that connects current resistance efforts to pivotal moments in Iranian history.

The current wave of protests in Iran, which ignited on December 28, 2025, amidst a worsening economic crisis, has rapidly evolved into a widespread political movement. Human rights observers note that the state's crackdown on these demonstrations has reached a level of severity comparable to the repressions seen during the 1979 era. The historic Brandenburg Gate served as the central assembly point for the Berlin rally, drawing thousands of activists from across the continent.

While police estimates placed the crowd at approximately 8,000 participants by 13:00 GMT, organizers claimed a much higher turnout of 20,000. They noted that numerous flight cancellations had prevented many activists from arriving in the city. Shahin Gobadi, representing the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), attributed the discrepancy in attendance figures partly to adverse weather conditions. Notably, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo participated in the event virtually after his own flight was cancelled.

Positioned as the largest action by the Iranian diaspora in Europe, the event received formal backing from 344 organizations and prominent political figures. This broad coalition included various European parliamentary friendship groups, labor unions, and 312 distinct Iranian associations. Such a wide range of support underscores the international attention currently focused on the Iranian domestic situation.

Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the NCRI, addressed the assembled crowd with a clear mandate for the future of the nation. She emphasized that regime change must be achieved through organized internal resistance, explicitly rejecting any strategies involving appeasement or external military intervention. Rajavi expressed unwavering confidence in the eventual downfall of the clerical administration, stating there was no doubt the regime would be overthrown.

The demonstration in Berlin occurred during a period of intense diplomatic friction triggered by recent European Union policy shifts. In late January 2026, the EU officially designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. This significant move resulted in the freezing of assets and travel bans for 15 high-ranking Iranian officials and six entities, marking a sharp escalation in Western pressure.

In a retaliatory move, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, announced that EU armed forces would now be classified as terrorist groups under a 2019 reciprocal measures law. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul dismissed this counter-designation as "baseless" and "propaganda," highlighting the severity of the ongoing diplomatic standoff between Tehran and European capitals.

Political analysts observe that while the uprising starting December 28, 2025, shares characteristics with the 1979 movement, it faces significantly more rigid state control and sophisticated suppression techniques. Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, commenting on the revolution's anniversary, asserted that the Iranian people would not succumb to external threats or foreign pressure. The Berlin rally stands as a critical milestone for the Iranian opposition as they seek to establish a sovereign republic amidst internal conflict and deteriorating relations with European powers.