A protester has scaled the Iranian embassy in central London and climbed onto the building's balcony.
Videos posted on social media show a man climbing onto the balcony, removing the flag currently on the embassy and unfurling the pre-1979 revolution Iranian flag, which features a lion and sun.
Additional police officers were sent to the protest in Kensington. Two people have been arrested.
London right now pic.twitter.com/5rAmqhZyHb
— Niyak Ghorbani (نیاک) (@GhorbaniiNiyak) January 10, 2026
History in the making: Protesters have taken over the Iranian Embassy in London and raised the former Iranian flag, featuring the Lion and Sun.
— Alladdin (@Alladdin1983) January 10, 2026
H/T to @TousiTVOfficial pic.twitter.com/5bSQ3QXEny
The embassy later posted a picture on X of the original flag back in place. It said in the post: “Iran's flag is flying high.”
The Met Police said in a statement: “An active protest continues which is being safely policed.
“Two arrests have been made. One for aggravated trespass and assault on an emergency worker and one for aggravated trespass.
“Officers are also seeking another individual for trespass.
“We saw no serious disorder and officers will remain in the area to ensure the continued security of the Embassy.”
An active protest continues which is being safely policed.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) January 10, 2026
Two arrests have been made. One for aggravated trespass and assault on an emergency worker and one for aggravated trespass. Officers are also seeking another individual for trespass.
We saw no serious disorder and…
It comes as Iran has escalated its threats against anti-government demonstrators, with the country's attorney general warning that anyone taking part in protests will be considered an "enemy of God" - a death penalty charge.
Protests over spiralling inflation began in Iran on December 28 in markets across the capital Tehran.
The demonstrations have since evolved into broader anti-regime protests, with solidarity rallies taking place in cities around the world, including London.
The unrest is the most significant challenge to the regime for several years.
Iranians had their internet and telephone lines cut off on Thursday as demonstrations continued throughout the country.
Earlier this week, prime minister Keir Starmer condemned the killing of protesters in Iran and urged Tehran to "exercise restraint" amid a crackdown on demonstrations against the regime.
A government spokesperson said: “We are deeply concerned by reports of violence against protesters in Iran who are exercising their legitimate right to peaceful protest and are monitoring the situation closely.”
At least 62 people are reported to have been killed and 2,300 detained.
