London Marathon 2025: 'Stop Arming Israel' activists storm onto Tower Bridge, throw pink powder at runners
At the London Marathon, protesters have interrupted the men's elite race as stewards have confronted demonstrators on Tower Bridge.
When the top runners crossed the River Thames, Youth Demand activists rushed the monument and threw bright pink powder across the route.
Meanwhile, a shocking video captured the moment showing that an official riding a motorcycle jumped off and tackled the two protestors to the ground. They were donning 'Stop Arming Israel' shirts.
Taking to X, the 'environmental activist and political activist group' stated that two of its members 'jumped the barriers at Tower Bridge and sat down in front of the men's elite race at the London Marathon, wearing 'Stop Arming Israel' t-shirts.'
'Gaza is running out of food. Arming genocide crosses the line. We won't be bystanders.'
Also Read: Female British Hindu monk to run her first London Marathon to challenge stereotypes
Earlier this month, Youth Demand, a division of Just Stop Oil, pledged to 'shut down London' and solicited funds to help fund their cause. It has also promised to cause chaos at events in London this summer.
The group is composed of Gen Z activists, students, and former members of Just Stop Oil.
After spraying the Ministry of Defense with paint last year, the group promised to launch a significantly more extensive 'civil disobedience campaign' this year.
The City of London Police have reportedly taken the two into custody.
Actors, politicians, and the fathers of two girls who were killed in the Southport attack are taking part in the event.
Over 56,000 people are anticipated to compete in the 26.2-mile track across the city, with temperatures rising to 22 degrees Celsius today.
The streets of the capital are packed with thousands of banner-wielding supporters who are cheering for their loved ones.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer extended his greeting to the fathers of the girls who were killed in the attack.
'This is an incredible way to honour the memory of your precious daughters and the entire nation is in awe of your courage and your resilience. We'll all be with you, every single step of the way.'
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Iran's expanding arsenal amid conflict with Israel: What missiles does Tehran have?
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Iran's newer Qassem Basir, a successor to the Shahid Haj Qassem, reportedly has a 1,200 km range and is designed specifically to evade systems like THAAD and Patriot. The Sejjil missile — a solid-fuelled, two-stage MRBM with a range of up to 2,000 km — represents a significant leap in Iran's indigenous capability, giving it the ability to launch long-range strikes with reduced launch preparation time and improved survivability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Long-range capable systems & cruise missiles While Iran has publicly stated a self-imposed missile range limit of 2,000 km since 2015, experts caution that this could be reversed. The Khorramshahr-4, with a lighter warhead, could likely exceed this limit. Meanwhile, cruise missiles like the Soumar (believed to be derived from the nuclear-capable Russian Kh-55), Hoveizeh (1,350 km), and the Paveh (1,650 km) offer Iran strategic strike options at subsonic speeds and with varying propulsion types, including turbojets and turbofans. 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Since 2017, the country has employed missiles in combat operations, including the 2020 strike on US bases in Iraq. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tehran has also exported missile technology to its regional proxies — including Houthi rebels in Yemen — who have used them against civilian and military targets in Saudi Arabia and the UAE and even against maritime traffic in the Red Sea. There have also been intelligence assessments suggesting Iranian willingness to provide missile systems to Russia, further raising international scrutiny. Iran's space programme, though civilian in name, shares a technological foundation with its missile programme. Vehicles like the Safir, Simorgh, Zuljanah, Qased, and Ghaem-100 demonstrate long-range propulsion capabilities that are nearly identical to those needed for intercontinental ballistic missile development. 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