An Iranian flag was torn down for the second time outside Iran’s embassy in London on Friday, January 16, as protests escalated into clashes with police, resulting in multiple arrests and injuries to officers.

According to the Metropolitan Police, four officers sustained minor injuries during the demonstration, while 14 individuals were arrested on suspicion of offences including violent disorder and trespass. Authorities said the protest required intervention after tensions flared outside the diplomatic compound.

The incident comes amid growing international anger over severe unrest inside Iran, where protests that began over economic grievances have evolved into some of the most widespread and deadly demonstrations in recent years. The unrest has reportedly resulted in a death toll exceeding 2,500, according to international monitoring groups.

Iran’s exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, has issued even more alarming claims, stating that as many as 12,000 Iranians may have been killed since the protests erupted late last month. While those figures remain disputed, they reflect mounting concerns over the scale of violence being used by the Islamic Republic to suppress dissent.

Demonstrations outside Iranian diplomatic missions worldwide have become increasingly frequent as protesters seek to draw attention to the regime’s actions and pressure Western governments to respond. Friday’s events in London underscore the growing volatility surrounding Iran-related protests and the strain placed on public order policing as global outrage continues to rise.