On February 28, 2026, Iranian Canadians and their allies gathered in Toronto for a massive rally that drew an estimated minimum of 100,000 participants. The event had been planned as a bi-weekly demonstration, but its mood shifted dramatically the night before when U.S. President Donald Trump declared war on the Islamic Republic after nuclear negotiations collapsed.
For weeks, protesters had chanted “Trump act now!” in anticipation of promised aid. Overnight, U.S. forces and Israel launched coordinated strikes targeting senior IRGC members and Ali Khamenei’s bunker—a move that transformed the rally from one of urgency to jubilation.
When Scarlett Grace arrived at the event, which began near Yonge Street and 16th Avenue and marched toward Richmond Hill Public Library, the atmosphere was celebratory. Iranians waved American flags and cheered, chanting: “Trump and Netanyahu, thank you, thank you!”
They did not yet know how good the day would become.
By the time the march reached the library stage, news had spread that Ali Khamenei had been killed in the strikes. The announcement came from Israel, which confirmed the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader. With internet services overwhelmed by the crowd, many participants were unaware of the latest developments until speakers on stage confirmed the news.
“The Butcher of Tehran,” a title for Ali Khamenei who had killed countless Iranians, was gone. Many described the day as Iran’s D-Day—a pivotal moment closer to freedom than it has been in 47 years.
The rally highlighted the Iranian people’s ongoing struggle against a regime that arrests women, crushes dissent, and kills protesters demanding basic freedoms. Hundreds of thousands of Iranian civilians have been murdered by their own government in recent months for seeking rights—far exceeding casualties from the recent 12-day conflict with Israel and certainly more than any likely to result from these targeted strikes.
As celebrations continued throughout the week, organizers began planning new demonstrations focused on Iran’s transition to democracy. The chosen opposition leader, Reza Pahlavi, is one step closer to returning and implementing his transitional plan. Iranians within the country and in the diaspora alike called for U.S. support to ensure this leadership takes hold.
It was a historic day for Iranians—but their battle continues until true freedom is achieved.
