Thousands Rally in Paris to Demand Overthrow of Iran’s Dictatorship

In Paris, thousands of Iranian expatriates will come together on Saturday to mark a significant anniversary – 46 years since the overthrow of the Shah – and to express their hopes for a similar transformation in Iran’s modern political landscape. The gathering is a demonstration of the long-held belief among many that the regime's current form of governance is not only unsustainable but also increasingly vulnerable to internal dissent.

President Donald Trump’s executive order, which rescinded sanctions waivers and reimposed a strategy of “Maximum Pressure” on the Iranian regime, has been met with enthusiastic approval by critics of the government in Tehran. This measure, aimed at reducing Iran’s oil exports to zero, is intended to thwart the nation’s nuclear ambitions and contain its broader regional influence—a move that aligns closely with the demands of Iran’s democratic opposition.

Leaders within the resistance, such as Maryam Rajavi of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), have argued that the only sustainable way to end the regime’s oppressive practices is for the Iranian people themselves to rise against the dictatorship. At the rally, participants are expected to advocate for an intensified campaign, termed “Maximum Pressure Plus,” pushing for even stronger economic and diplomatic actions to support the grassroots movement already challenging the regime.

The rally not only highlights the determination of the Iranian people to reclaim the promise of democracy but also shines a light on the widespread international support from Western policymakers who view groups like the NCRI as viable alternatives to the current regime. Despite the regime’s brutal crackdown on dissent—illustrated by mass arrests, executions, and violent suppression of protests under slogans such as “Woman, Life, Freedom”—resistance activities have continued to grow, fueled by a population eager for reform and a future free from theocratic rule.