TORONTO – A significant rally is set to take place today along Yonge Street in North York, where Toronto police anticipate that over 200,000 people will gather in solidarity with anti-government protesters in Iran. The protest is part of a coordinated global effort, as proclaimed by Iran's exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, who has designated today as a Global Day of Action.

In preparation for the rally, police have closed various roads, including portions of Yonge Street and North York Boulevard. Officials warn that these closures will result in severe traffic congestion and transit delays in the area. The gathering in Toronto is expected to be one of several protests occurring worldwide, with particular emphasis on cities such as Munich and Los Angeles, where Iranians living abroad are uniting to demand regime change in Iran.

Iran has been engulfed in widespread protests since late December, a situation prompted by a deepening economic crisis that has led to a significant depreciation of the country’s currency. Initially, the demonstrations were primarily concerned with economic issues; however, as the protests gained momentum, the focus shifted toward a broader agenda calling for the dismantling of Iran’s Islamic Republic. Some protesters have voiced their support for the restoration of the ousted monarchy.

The Iranian government has responded to the unrest with a harsh crackdown, including implementing an internet blackout, and claims that over 3,000 people have died as a result of the protests. Meanwhile, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, known for its accurate tracking of casualties during previous protests in Iran, has reported that the death toll exceeds 7,000.

Today's rally follows a major protest held in Toronto's Sankofa Square two weeks ago, which police estimated attracted around 150,000 participants. At that event, many protesters advocated for international intervention in Iran and called for an end to government repression.

This mobilization in Toronto underscores the ongoing solidarity among the Iranian diaspora and the global community in protesting the Iranian regime. As demonstrations continue, calls for change reflect both deep discontent with the current government and a desire for a return to previous governance structures.