Archive · 11 Jan 2026
Protester Replaces Iran Flag at London Embassy
On Friday, a man climbed the Iranian embassy in London and replaced the current flag with an old flag from before 1979.
This happened during a big protest with many people.
The old flag has a lion and sun on it, which some people in Iran like because it reminds them of the time before the current government.
The police arrested two people, and there are also big protests happening in Iran and other cities in Europe.
Some people in Iran are asking for changes in their government, and others are supporting them.
The Iranian government is warning protesters that they could be punished severely.
A protester scaled the Iranian Embassy in London and replaced the Islamic Republic of Iran flag with the pre-1979 Lion and Sun flag.
The action took place during a demonstration with hundreds of protesters present, who cheered as the flag was raised.
London’s Metropolitan Police made two arrests: one for aggravated trespass and assault on an emergency worker, and another for aggravated trespass.
Protests are ongoing across Iran, with at least 72 people killed and more than 2,300 detained, according to a US-based rights group.
Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urged protesters to continue demonstrating and exercise caution, indicating support from US President Donald Trump.
- Who
- Protesters, including a man who scaled the embassy, and the Iranian government
- What
- A protester replaced the Islamic Republic of Iran flag with the pre-1979 Lion and Sun flag at the London embassy during a demonstration
- When
- Friday, January 10, 2026
- Where
- London, UK, and across Iran
- Why
- Protesters are demonstrating against the Iranian government, calling for political change and economic reforms
Protesters and Supporters
Iranian Government
Legitimacy of Protest
Protesters and Supporters
Protesters believe in the right to demonstrate against the Iranian government and support regime change.
Iranian Government
The Iranian government views protests as illegal and dangerous, warning protesters of severe punishment, including the death penalty.
Symbolism of the Flag
Protesters and Supporters
Protesters see the pre-1979 Lion and Sun flag as a symbol of Iran's pre-revolutionary past and a call for change.
Iranian Government
The Iranian government views the current flag as a symbol of the Islamic Republic and its authority.
- Location
- London, UK
- Date
- Friday, January 10, 2026
- Flag Replaced
- Pre-1979 Lion and Sun flag
- Current Flag
- Islamic Republic of Iran flag
- Protester Action
- Replaced the flag briefly, scaled the embassy
- Witnesses
- AFP, online videos
- Demonstrators
- Hundreds
- Arrests
- Two arrests made, one for aggravated trespass and assault on an emergency worker, another for aggravated trespass
- International Protests
- Demonstrations in major European capitals, including Paris and Berlin
- Casualties in Iran
- At least 72 people killed, more than 2,300 detained
Sources
Protesters Put Pre-Islamic Revolution Iran Flag On London Embassy
Protester Climbs Balcony Of Iranian Embassy In London, Takes Down Regime Flag | Video
Video| Protester scales Iranian Embassy in London, tears down regime flag, hoists pre-1979 symbol
'Don't Abandon The Streets': Iran's Exiled Crown Prince Issues Fresh Video Message Amid Unrest
