Tens of thousands gather at Atomium Square to support democratic change in Iran, highlighting solidarity, international backing, and resistance against dictatorship.
A Historic Gathering in Brussels
On September 6, 2025, Atomium Square in Brussels became the stage for one of the largest political rallies of the Iranian diaspora. The event, held under the banner “Free Iran 2025”, marked the 60th anniversary of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK).
Tens of thousands of Iranians in exile, alongside supporters from across Europe—including delegations from Germany, France, the Netherlands, and other countries—demonstrated their solidarity and determination to bring democratic change to Iran. The rally symbolized decades of resilience and defiance against both monarchical and theocratic dictatorships.
Prominent International Support
The Brussels gathering gained global significance with the presence of high-profile Western political figures. Among them were former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, former UK House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, former U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy, and Spanish politician Alejo Vidal-Quadras.
Their participation underscored the international dimension of the rally and sent a strong signal to Tehran that Iran’s organized resistance continues to gain recognition abroad.
The Call for a Democratic Future
Participants carried banners and slogans in support of the Ten-Point Plan of Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). This plan advocates for a democratic republic built on:
- Separation of religion and state
- Gender equality
- Autonomy for Iran’s nationalities
- Abolition of the death penalty
- A non-nuclear Iran
The message resonated as a blueprint for Iran’s future after the downfall of the current regime.
Core Messages of the Rally
The Brussels demonstration emphasized three central themes:
- Condemnation of Executions and Repression: Protesters denounced the execution of political prisoners accused of supporting the PMOI, calling these acts desperate attempts by the regime to suppress public uprisings.
- Support for the Organized Resistance: The rally highlighted the role of Resistance Units and young activists inside Iran, urging recognition of their fight against the regime’s repressive forces, particularly the IRGC.
- The Third Option: The PMOI reiterated its stance of “no foreign war, no appeasement of the religious dictatorship”, insisting that regime change must come from the Iranian people and their organized resistance.
Widespread Media Coverage
The event received extensive attention from international media.
- Reuters described it as a call by tens of thousands of Iranians for regime change without foreign intervention or appeasement.
- Associated Press reported on Maryam Rajavi’s speech at the rally, organized by Iranian associations in Europe in cooperation with the NCRI.
- Agence France-Presse highlighted the participation of Pence, Verhofstadt, and Bercow.
- The Washington Times noted the protesters’ appeal to the European Union to stop executions in Iran and activate the snapback mechanism against the regime’s nuclear program.
- The Brussels Times emphasized the strong turnout and the demand for concrete European action.
- Getty Images released exclusive photo coverage of the event.
So far, the rally has generated over 250 international media reports, alongside dozens of features in Arabic and Persian-language outlets, amplifying the voice of the Iranian resistance worldwide.
A Timely Political Signal
The demonstration took place against the backdrop of renewed international disputes over Iran’s nuclear program. On August 28, 2025, the governments of France, Germany, and the UK reactivated the UN sanctions “snapback” mechanism, significantly increasing global pressure on Tehran.
In this context, the presence of senior Western figures in Brussels served as a strong message to both the Iranian regime and the international community: Iran’s democratic opposition remains active, influential, and central to discussions on the country’s future.
A Display of Solidarity and Determination
The Brussels rally, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the PMOI, was more than an anniversary celebration. It was a powerful demonstration of solidarity, resilience, and the collective will for democratic change in Iran.
With the participation of Iranian exiles, international allies, and widespread media attention, the event reinforced the NCRI’s position as the democratic alternative to the regime. It marked another step in the broader campaign to end clerical rule and establish a free, democratic republic in Iran.
