Protester Climbs Iranian Embassy Balcony in London, Replaces Flag

A dramatic protest unfolded in central London after a man climbed onto the balcony of the Iranian Embassy in Kensington and replaced the official flag with the historic “lion and sun” emblem, a symbol widely associated with opposition to Iran’s current ruling system.

Footage shared on social media showed the protester standing on the balcony as onlookers gathered in the street below. Police quickly cordoned off the area and deployed additional officers to secure the diplomatic mission and prevent further escalation.

The incident was linked to ongoing demonstrations by members of the Iranian diaspora, who have been holding rallies in solidarity with protesters inside Iran and denouncing the authorities over political repression and economic conditions.

Officers later detained several individuals in connection with the protest, including on charges related to trespassing and disorder. The situation was brought under control without reports of serious injuries, and security around the embassy was tightened.

The use of the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag and the symbolic act of scaling a foreign embassy highlighted the intensity of feeling among protesters and the international dimension of opposition to Tehran’s leadership.