10 hours ago
'We can finally see the light': Iranian activists stand in solidarity with Israel after US strikes
Iranian activists opposing the country's rulers said they were "happy the regime has been attacked" as they gathered outside the Iranian embassy in London on Sunday.
Less that 24 hours after the US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, around 500 activists chanted in unison, "long live Iran, long live Israel."
With both Iranian and Israeli flags on show, activists showed a united front saying they were "grateful" to Israel for attacking the "oppressive" Iranian regime with one activist saying "let the bombs fall."
The peaceful protest was in stark contrast to another gathering held on Friday which resulted in seven men being charged after two people were injured with serious but not life-threatening injuries.
"We can finally see the light" - Niaz Malhania, Iranian activist
Iranian activist Niaz Malhania said: "The message here today is that we are really happy that the Islamic Republic [of Iran] has been attacked and destabilised after 46 years.
"Iranians are standing with Israel because we can finally see the light, freedom for the Iranian people. Our human rights have been eroded over decades.
"This is the closest we'll ever get to the regime falling. If it doesn't fall now after this, it'll never fall.
"With President Trump attacking again last night, it really is destabilising. But overall I'm happy, we're happy."
The United States has directly joined Israel's conflict with Iran - with Donald Trump confirming the US military launched successful strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.
In response to last night's airstrikes, the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said the US and President Trump had crossed "a big red line" and warned that it would have "everlasting consequences".
Iranian national Nazak Tavakoli is a dentist who moved to London from Iran 30 years ago.
With friends and family back at home, Ms Tavakoli said: "Nobody wants war, but the fact is we cannot stop until we have a regime change in Iran.
"It's a terrorist regime that has caused so much havoc all over the world but they terrorise their own people.
"It's such an oppressive establishment, it's horrendous."
"We want a democratic society where Iranian people are free. Israel's attacks mean this could be our golden ticket, to overthrow the people in power," she added.
Pouya Rad, now living in the UK, said he suffered directly in the hands of the Iranian regime.
Speaking to ITV News, Mr Rad became emotional reflecting on the seven months he endured as a political prisoner.
Mr Rad said: "As a political prisoner, I have been hurt. I want to be the voice of my people who are being executed and tortured.
"I still have family who live back home, and I want to be their voice."
As countries across the world continue to react to the US strikes on Iran, the group Iran Javidan, plan to hold another protest outside Parliament on Tuesday.
