Iran Sydney Town Hall protest: Activists call on Crown Prince to overthrow Islamic Ayatollah’s rule

Iranian-Australian opponents of their homeland’s Islamic regime have rallied in Sydney, insisting “this is not our war” as Iran and Israel exchange rocket fire.

Throwing peace signs, Iranian-Australian activists say this war is not theirs. Picture: Daily Telegraph / Brendan Read

Iranian-Australian opponents of their homeland’s Islamic regime have rallied in Sydney, insisting “this is not our war” as Iran and Israel exchange rocket fire.

A dozen Iranian expats gathered outside Sydney Town Hall on Sunday, sandwiched between street preachers and a Ukrainian freedom flag-bearer, distributing flyers and speaking to curious passers-by about their aim of restoring a secular, democratic government in Iran.

Iranian Australian Patriots Association (IAPA) spokesman Maani Taghizadeh said the organisation promotes Crown Prince of Iran Reza Pahlavi, who has lived in exile in the United States since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, as “the best guy for the future of Iran”.

“We want to be free from this theocratic regime, the Ayatollah’s regime, which these days has imposed another war on the Iranian people,” he said.

“This war is not the Iranian people’s war, this is the consequence of the Mullahs’ (religious leaders) regime.”

Sydney Iranians and Israeli allies protest Ayatollah Ali Khamenei outside Sydney Town Hall. Picture: Daily Telegraph / Brendan Read

Mr Taghizadeh, his wife Minoo Toussi and two adult children have lived in Australia since 2008.

“We have very, very, very good memories before the Islamic Revolution. I was 11-years-old. The beaches were similar to Bondi and Manly … I can remember very clearly some people were covering, some people were not covering – it’s freedom,” Mr Taghizadeh said.

Maani Taghizadeh and his wife Minoo Toussi. Picture: Daily Telegraph / Brendan Read

The small but vocal group was supported by several Israeli and Jewish Australians, who brandished the Israel’s flag alongside Iran’s pre-revolution Lion and Sun flag.

Among them was Ben Klein, who said he was reciprocating the support that IAPA members showed for Israeli Jews in the wake of the October 7 massacre.

“We’ve got nothing against the Iranian people – we’re friends – and the Iranian people are hoping one day to overthrow their oppressive regime,” he said.

“All people in the world should support that – all people who like freedom, who like democracy.”

A member of the public in a heated exchange with opponents of Iran’s Islamic regime protesting on Saturday, including Ben Klein (right) and Daniel Taghaddos (second from right). Picture: Daily Telegraph / Brendan Read

Iranian activist Daniel Taghaddos moved to Australia seven years ago and is also involved with the Australian Jewish Association and the ‘Never Again Is Now’ movement.

He said he had been “actively involved with politics since the 2021 uprising” in which protests broke out in Iran over severe water shortages.

“Jewish People and Iranian people are not enemies … there is no reason for conflict between two great nations,” Mr Taghaddos said.

“Since October 7 2023, we have focused on the common issue between our two countries, showcasing that these are the same people – the Ayatollah (Ali Khamenei) and Hamas.”

On at least two occasions, members of the public shouted “free Palestine” while passing the rally.

In one heated exchange, a man with a small child in a pram stopped to confront and argue with the protesters.

Originally published as Iran Sydney Town Hall protest: Activists call on Crown Prince to overthrow Islamic Ayatollah’s rule