By RNZ

Two people have been arrested at a protest outside the Iranian Embassy in Wellington.

About 40 people have been chanting, calling for the removal of the Iranian regime and for Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to be installed as shah.

Many there said they had family in Iran who they had not heard from in four or five days, since the Government shut down internet and phone services.

One man climbed up to erect a pre-revolution Iranian flag, but this was removed by someone from inside the embassy.

Police said two people were arrested for wilful damage and charges were being considered.

At least 10 police had been keeping access to the narrow road in Wellington’s Hataitai open as the protest continued.

The crowd had a loudhailer and had been chanting since about 10am.

Reza Farhour, who had helped to organise the protest, said he had not heard from his extended family in Iran.

“We have a peaceful life here. We want the same peace for our people in Iran.”

Farhour said this was a different uprising to the one in 2022, which came after the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody.

“It’s like a revolution. Because they have a goal, they know what they want… to overthrow this Government, they want to overthrow [Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali] Khamenei, and then they’ve decided who comes for the transition – that is the son of the last king of Iran.”

Police say two people were arrested for wilful damage and charges are being considered. Photo / RNZ, Mark Papalii

Protester Aida Shams said she was worried for her friends who she had not heard from for a number of days.

“My best friends took to the streets three days ago, and they said goodbye to me. And after that the internet was completely shut down. I have no idea if they are alive or not.”

Arya Basanjideh said protesters were chanting “long live the king” and they wanted the shah’s return.

“We want everything back. We had it, and it’s been taken from us,” he said.

“I don’t know why the Government of New Zealand is keeping silent. I don’t know why. What’s the difference between Iranian human rights and South African human rights during apartheid time? Why are they not acting? Why are they silent?”

Basandijeh said the group was waving the former flag as the current flag did not represent them.

“We want to take that down and put our real flag, which is the Lion and Sun. We want the peace flag – this is our real Iranian flag, we want this flag back.”

The action comes as the US-based rights group HRANA said it had verified the deaths of 544 people in Iran, 15 days into protests against the Government.

The protests began over rampant inflation but have since spread across the country and have become general protests against the regime.

The flow of information outside Iran had been constrained since authorities cut off internet access and telephone lines on Thursday.

Protesters in Wellington moved to the US Embassy, where a dozen police were soon in position to keep an eye on things. Photo / RNZ, Mark Papalii

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters expressed grave concern at reports protesters have been killed in Iran, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade urged any New Zealanders still in Iran to leave now.

US President Donald Trump was also briefed on potential military intervention options, including military strikes and sanctions.

The protesters in Wellington moved to the US Embassy in Thorndon about 11.30am, where a dozen police were soon in position to keep an eye on things.

They played The Star-Spangled Banner over a loudspeaker and called on Trump to live up to his word that the US could intervene.

“You made a vow, Trump, act now. No internet, no witnesses, killers thrive in silence,” they chanted.

- RNZ