Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and veteran critic of radical Islamist influence, called on Western nations to proscribe extremist groups and support President Donald Trump’s bold stance toward Iran during a rally outside the Iranian embassy in London on Monday. Addressing anti‑regime demonstrators, Farage framed the crisis in Iran as a clash between freedom and a brutal theocracy, urging decisive action from Western governments.
Standing before a crowd waving the pre‑1979 Persian flag, Farage declared “freedom for Iran” and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people amid mass protests and a violent government crackdown. He praised the courage of protesters risking everything for liberty, even as many suffer grave consequences in cities across Iran.
Farage criticized past Western diplomacy, particularly the 2015 nuclear deal, saying it unleashed funding that empowered militant groups and expanded extremist reach. He singled out the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), arguing that it and similar organizations like the Muslim Brotherhood should be banned as terrorist groups by the British government. He said these groups not only destabilize the Middle East but also threaten global security by supporting factions such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.
The Reform UK leader reiterated his longtime opposition to the Iranian regime, recalling earlier protests in Iran and expressing hope that a future leadership would return the country to the rule of law. Farage referenced his personal friendship with Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, heir to Iran’s pre‑revolution monarchy, noting that many Iranians yearn for the cultural openness and prosperity that existed in Iran before 1979.
Farage also made clear that his support for the Persian people aligns with support for a strong U.S. posture under President Trump. He said he backed “military action against the IRGC on the ground in Iran so the good guys can win this revolution,” and urged Trump to take firm action. He described Iran as a regime that has spread extremism and repression, resisting democratic movements for decades.
The rally came on the heels of Trump’s own statements about Iran, in which he affirmed that the United States “stands ready to help” if the Iranian people choose freedom and warned Tehran that brutal crackdowns could provoke a forceful response. Trump did not commit to boots on the ground, but threatened to strike targets “very, very hard where it hurts” if the regime escalates violence against protesters.
Farage’s remarks reflect a sweeping call for the West to unite in support of the Iranian people, confront radical Islamist influence, and reinforce the need for strong action against regimes that deny basic freedoms. His blend of advocacy for both political and, potentially, military pressure underscores how Western leaders are increasingly weighing the balance between diplomacy, deterrence, and direct involvement in the face of global authoritarianism.
