On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Swedish-Iranians demonstrated in Stockholm and Malmö against the Iranian regime, shortly after a coordinated attack by the US and Israel on Iran. Participants expressed hope for regime change despite sorrow over the war. Thousands joined manifestations with flags from several countries and chants for freedom.
On February 28, 2026, shortly after a joint military attack by the US and Israel on Iran, Swedish-Iranians gathered for demonstrations in Swedish cities. The attack began with explosions in Tehran shortly after 7 AM Swedish time and was described by Israel as a preemptive measure. US President Donald Trump confirmed American involvement and urged the Iranian people to overthrow the regime. Iran responded with drone and missile attacks on Israel and several Gulf states, leading to canceled flights in the region and the EU's evacuation of personnel from the Middle East. According to Iranian media, civilians have been affected.
In Stockholm, manifestations took place at several locations, including Centralplan, Norra Bantorget, Hamngatan, and Gustav Adolfs torg. Thousands of participants marched with Iranian, American, Swedish, and Israeli flags, as well as the historical "Lion and Sun" flag. Chants like "Revolution" and "Free Iran" echoed, along with drums and cheers. Among the speakers were Liberalerna leader Simona Mohamsson and Socialdemokraterna's Ardalan Shekarabi.
Saeed Hashemi, who has lived in Sweden since 1979, expressed joy over the regime's impending fall: "This is what we've waited for 46 years. To get freedom, not just for Iran, but for the whole world." Athena Moghimi, who came to Sweden at age five, said: "No one wants war and no one wants an outside power to bomb one's country, but hopefully the regime falls." Organizer Mahan Baghdadi described the atmosphere as wonderful and welcomed US and Israeli involvement: "We want the regime gone, and if they want to help us with that, we're grateful."
In Malmö, around 500 people demonstrated from Triangeln to Stortorget, with flags for the US, Israel, Sweden, and Iran, as well as placards featuring Reza Pahlavi and Donald Trump. Shahin Khan explained: "War has its victims and is never good, but this is the last resort." Sarvin, who moved to Sweden at age ten, added: "It has been an unreal dream that the regime could disappear, but now we're starting to get hope."
Similar demonstrations were held in Berlin and Munich. Participants expressed mixed feelings of hope and sorrow, with a common desire for democracy in Iran.
