TORONTO — Thousands of people gathered in downtown Toronto on Sunday to protest Iran’s Islamic Republic and show support for Iranians killed during weeks of unrest, as Iranian Canadians urged international action and amplified calls for political change.
Toronto Iran rally fills Sankofa Square
Demonstrators packed Sankofa Square, waving Iranian flags and holding photos of victims while calling for regime change and outside pressure on Tehran, according to a Canadian Press report. Some participants said they did not want their full names published, citing safety concerns for relatives still in Iran.
Toronto police were present in and around the square, and the demonstration remained peaceful with no arrests reported.
Personal stories and demands for international action
At the rally, attendees described family members killed during protests and said Iranians inside the country face severe risks if they challenge authorities. Speakers and participants also called on Western governments to do more, including applying greater diplomatic and economic pressure.
Some protesters voiced support for Iran’s exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, arguing he should be allowed to return, while others focused on broader demands for human rights and political freedoms.
What is driving the protests in Iran
The latest wave of protests began on Dec. 28, 2025, after an economic crisis and currency سقوط triggered demonstrations that later expanded into wider anti-government demands, according to reporting and official travel advisories. Iran has imposed telecommunications restrictions and internet disruptions during the unrest.
Casualty figures remain disputed. Iranian authorities have provided one set of numbers, while rights groups and opposition-linked organizations have offered substantially higher estimates, reflecting the limited independent access for verification.
Canada’s position as pressure builds
Canada, alongside G7 partners, has publicly urged Iranian authorities to end violence against demonstrators and uphold fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The Toronto rally was one of a series of demonstrations held in recent weeks across the Greater Toronto Area and elsewhere in Canada, as Iranian Canadians continue to push for sustained attention on the situation in Iran.
