Global Day of Action draws one of Toronto’s largest protests ever

Shaquille Oatmeal

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I think it is time for the Ayatollah to step down and for Iran to become a constitutional monarchy and bring some normalcy to the country and the region.


Up to 350,000 people flooded a stretch of Yonge Street in North York on Saturday in what police described as one of the largest Iran-related demonstrations the city has seen in recent months.

The rally, part of a worldwide Global Day of Action called by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, brought major road closures, transit adjustments and hours of gridlock to the city’s north end — but for the most part, outside of one arrest, demonstrations unfolded peacefully.

Protesters draped themselves in red, white and green flags emblazoned with a golden lion — the flag Iran used before the Islamic Republic came to power in 1979, toppling the previous monarchy.

Protesters march in support of regime change in Iran during a demonstration in Toronto, on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan
Demonstrators called for an end to government repression in Iran as widespread protests inside the country have been met with violent crackdowns.

The march began south of Steeles Avenue shortly after 11 a.m. and moved southbound along Yonge Street toward North York Boulevard near Mel Lastman Square.

Police had initially warned that attendance levels “may exceed” 200,000 and issued full road closures between Steeles and North York Boulevard for much of the afternoon, with additional restrictions in surrounding areas.

Protesters march in support of regime change in Iran during a demonstration in Toronto, on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan
“200,000 is the estimated number of people attending, and that is a large number, but we’re ready for it,” Const. Viktor Sarudi told CP24 ahead of the march.

However by early afternoon, police later told CP24 that numbers grew to an estimated 350,000.

The TTC also adjusted service throughout the afternoon, including detours on the 97 Yonge bus route and controlled access at North York Centre Station. Sheppard Station was recommended as an alternate exit point as crowds moved through the area.

Protesters march in support of regime change in Iran during a demonstration in Toronto, on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan
Police said they expected the rally to remain calm, as they have seen to be consistent with previous Iran-related demonstrations in the city.

The one individual who was arrested was charged with assault, as police noted further information would be revealed at a later date.

Prior to this rally, an estimated 150,000 people attended a major protest two weeks ago at Sankofa Square in Toronto’s downtown core.

Protesters march in support of regime change in Iran during a demonstration in Toronto, on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan
“They have been historically peaceful in the city, and that is what we’re anticipating today,” Sarudi previously said.

With Saturday’s turnout already surpassing previous numbers, it took until shortly before 6 p.m. for roads to once again reopen.

The rally coincided with other similar protests that took place in major cities around the world.
 

oil&gas

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Ghawar
Canada is a country of immigrants. It is also a democratic
country of the free world. There is a price to pay though.
The shabby state of freedom and democracy in less than
stable foreign countries could become major concern of
our citizens. We will be better off if we worry more about
our own problems.
 

Frankfooter

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There have been protests as big or bigger in america for trump to step down or Israel for Netanyahu to step down.
Iran has a shitty government but so does Russia, america, Israel, Hungary and bunch of other places.
 
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Frankfooter

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The rally, part of a worldwide Global Day of Action called by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, brought major road closures, transit adjustments and hours of gridlock to the city’s north end — but for the most part, outside of one arrest, demonstrations unfolded peacefully.
You have to question whether you want to back Pahlavi. It looks like he is the american puppet leader of choice, as popular as Maduro in Venezuela.
I'm not sure how they got the big crowds out, Pahlavi doesn't have the resources to do it. The guy calls himself the 'prince' of Iran but his father, the Shah, was more brutal than Khomenei.

Iran needs change but internal change, not a war or foreign funded puppet.




 

Shaquille Oatmeal

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You have to question whether you want to back Pahlavi. It looks like he is the american puppet leader of choice, as popular as Maduro in Venezuela.
Since the US and Israel are opposed to the current regime, and since Pahlavi is a refugee in the US it is inevitable he would come with US backing.
But, I think he is better than what we have currently.
And the Iranians here seem to think so too.
 

Frankfooter

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Since the US and Israel are opposed to the current regime, and since Pahlavi is a refugee in the US it is inevitable he would come with US backing.
But, I think he is better than what we have currently.
And the Iranians here seem to think so too.
I dunno.
Regime change hasn't helped Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, Somalia or anywhere that it was a foreign lead intervention.

This push is coming out just after Netanyahu showed up to try to talk trump into attacking. That failed, with trump saying he backed talks. So Netanyahu comes out with a list of demands as if anyone would act on them or Israel would fight their own wars. The first push to back Pahlavi was timed in Jan with the protests, which it also appears to have been a skylink organized, foreign lead, event.

This reads more as desperation for Netanyahu that his window for war on Iran is ending.


 

Shaquille Oatmeal

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Regime change hasn't helped Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, Somalia or anywhere that it was a foreign lead intervention.
I think unlike those other countries, Iranians themselves want this change.
So hopefully a transitional government is established by Pahlavi and then elections are conducted.
 
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Shaquille Oatmeal

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I don't live in a vacuum. But as a Canadian I will not want
my fellow citizens to be overly concerned about issues like
regime change in my country of origin.
What you want, is largely immaterial in determining what matters or what should matter to Canadians.
 
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roddermac

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There have been protests as big or bigger in america for trump to step down or Israel for Netanyahu to step down.
Iran has a shitty government but so does Russia, america, Israel, Hungary and bunch of other places.
ya where so and about what issue?
 

Frankfooter

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I think unlike those other countries, Iranians themselves want this change.
So hopefully a transitional government is established by Pahlavi and then elections are conducted.
Why would you think someone who declared themselves to be a 'prince' would hold elections?
 

Frankfooter

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