Thousands of Iranian-Australians and supporters rallied in Melbourne on Sunday, 8 March, calling for the fall of the country’s ruling Islamic regime.

Ongoing resistance from the Iranian public since 1979 has now led to international solidarity.

Gathering at the State Library before marching to Parliament House, the crowd cheered in support for military actions made by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leading to the recent assassination of the former Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei.

Australian, American and Israeli flags were waved alongside Iran’s pre-1979 Lion and Sun flag, a symbol often used by opposition groups to the Islamic Republic. Members of Melbourne’s Iranian diaspora reiterated a call for political change to Iran’s oppressive theocracy.

The rally comes amid escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, with reports of heavy civilian casualties inside Iran following a week of airstrikes.

Among those addressing the crowd at Parliament House was Liberal senator for Tasmania Claire Chandler, who attended in support of the local Iranian community.

Participants said they hoped that the unrest could lead to the end of the Islamic Republic, which has ruled Iran since the 1979 revolution that saw the toppling of Iran’s Imperial State and overthrow of its leader Mohammed Pahlavi.

Darius, a 40-year-old Iranian-Australian at the rally, said many in the diaspora were closely following events unfolding in their home country:

"We are here to thank the American and Israeli forces helping to liberate our country."

Acknowledging that many Australians are concerned about the war and its consequences, he added:

"It’s a rescue mission. We know there is a cost for freedom and we’re happy to pay that cost."

Demonstrators also voiced support for the return of Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of Iran’s former Shah, as a transitional figure following the collapse of the Islamic Republic. 

In a 2023 interview with the ABC, Pahlavi confirmed he would be willing to help guide Iran towards a secular democracy, expressing:

"The role that I'm offering in this process of transition is to be of help to maintain a smooth process—to maximise the participation of democratic forces in this process."

Some in the crowd described the rally as both a celebration and a moment of reflection on decades of repression experienced within Iran.

For instance, Yassin, a 17-year-old demonstrator, said many Iranians in the crowd had fled the country due to increasing arrests and political repression, and hoped recent developments could allow them to return home. He specifically acknowledged the restrictions of Islamic state upon women, describing life under the regime:

"Women don’t get to have their hair out... you can’t dance or sing in public... you can’t kiss in public."

The rally comes after Australia  recently offered protection visas to members of Iran’s women’s national football team seeking safety abroad, with six players already accepted.

The general consensus of participants gathering at the rally underlined an aim to express solidarity with Iranians remaining in Iran and to highlight hope that the accelerating political upheaval could lead to positive change, even liberation.

Image source: Iman Amani
Interview assistance: Hamish Thomas