WANA (Feb 14) – Coinciding with the presence of numerous world leaders at the Munich Security Conference, held in mid-February 2026, where Reza Pahlavi (son of the former Shah of Iran) attended as a guest on the sidelines, the political current opposing the Islamic Republic of Iran sought to capitalize on the opportunity.
Pahlavi called for a large gathering in Munich to demonstrate his popularity among opponents of the Republic. The rally was also held in several other capitals following his appeal.
A key point in this regard was that, given the population of Iranians residing abroad, the turnout for these calls was significantly lower than expected by the organizers.
Analysis of Scale and Outcome
This gathering in Munich was the result of weeks of extensive promotion by Reza Pahlavi and his advisors. The objective of this call, designed alongside a political showcase during the Munich Security Conference, was to project a full venue to establish legitimacy for international support (including potential military actions against Iran). However, the field results differed significantly from initial expectations.
In the first instance, even the U.S. Republican senators present at the Munich conference did not show the anticipated level of formal alignment with Reza Pahlavi. Regarding the physical presence, an analysis of Google Earth maps shows that out of the vast area reserved for Pahlavi’s supporters, only two square blocks—totaling approximately 7,783 square meters—were occupied.
Munich gathering of opponents of the Islamic Republic of Iran – February 14, 2026 / Social Media / WANA News Agency
Even with a generous and accommodating assumption of one person per half-square meter, the total population present in this area is estimated at roughly 15,566 people.
Participation Ratio Relative to the Diaspora
A noteworthy point in these statistics is the presence of non-Iranian nationals and foreign associates of the opposition (carrying Ukrainian and Mexican flags) among the crowd, who reportedly attended following promises of hospitality and social gatherings. Nevertheless, even including these individuals, the total attendance represents less than 1% of all Iranians residing in Europe.
According to estimates by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA)—which accounts for Iranian-born individuals, dual citizens, and migration waves following 2020—the Iranian population in Europe is currently estimated at approximately 1.8 million.
While Reza Pahlavi seeks international support with this sub-1% base, critics argue that such actions could jeopardize the security and interests of the families of the remaining 99% of Iranians abroad.
Ultimately, while certain media outlets attempted to republish a different narrative using stadium-style camera angles, one question remained unanswered: why, despite extensive advertising, did the crowd fail to fill even one-quarter of the leased space in Munich?
Munich gathering of opponents of the Islamic Republic of Iran – February 14, 2026 / Social Media / WANA News Agency
In social media, the call for demonstrations, which received a lukewarm response from Iranians residing abroad, was met with ridicule. Some labeled it a “circus act” supported by the Mossad and CIA.
Others described Reza Pahlavi’s appeal during his speech to the gathered crowd — urging the United States to undertake military intervention in Iran — as a “shameless request.” Many also viewed the display of the Israeli flag, characterizing Israel as an “occupying state with hands stained by the blood of thousands of children,” as a moral failure for the opposition.
Opponents of the Islamic Republic of Iran abroad often seek greater Iranian participation in their gatherings by offering free food, travel tickets, and hotel expenses. They also reportedly utilize non-Iranians to make the events appear more crowded. These foreigners are frequently drawn to the rallies by financial promises or, at times, misinformation about the events’ underlying values.