Approximately 60 people stood in front of the Frist Art Museum Feb. 14, in support of freedom of Iran and against the Iranian government as part of Global Day for Action. Similar protests around the world sought to raise awareness for the current situation in Iran. Demonstrators stood facing Broadway, holding various signs while organizers led chants, occasionally playing Persian music over loudspeakers.
Chants and cars
The demonstration, organized by Iran Protests of Nashville, in coordination with similar Global Day for Action rallies around the world, started at approximately 1:45 p.m. CST. Snacks and beverages, including muffins, dates and bottled water, were provided to attendees. Flowers were also provided free of charge, with some having tags that read “#IranRevolution2026” on them. Organizers stood, leading the chants through the use of multiple bullhorns and loudspeakers on a parked truck. The chants were printed off and held by some demonstrators, which included the chants in English and Persian. Multiple passing cars were seen with Iranian flags in support of the demonstration as more demonstrators began to arrive.
Direct calls for Trump’s help
Throughout the protest, through signs and spoken demands, demonstrators directly called on President Donald Trump to provide support for the people of Iran. Some signs and clothes worn by demonstrators in attendance showed the abbreviation “M.I.G.A,” which was typically spelled out as “Make Iran Great Again,” a parody of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan. Other signs also read “Help is on the way!” accompanied by photos of President Trump.
All ages in attendance
Attendees spanned all ages, from toddlers to older adults. Some female attendees arrived in traditional Iranian attire, while some men were seen with the Iranian flag draped around their shoulders as they walked throughout the demonstration. One attendee wore a shirt that bore an image of an Iranian girl smoking a cigarette, lighting a portrait of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on fire, with text that read “Free Iran.” This references a prominent photo of a woman that has been used as a symbol of the Iranian resistance. Some children present were seen covering their ears due to the loudspeakers, while others were closely accompanied by their guardians.
The car centerpiece
At the center of the demonstration was a white Chevy pickup truck decorated with anti-government imagery facing the Frist and a memorial to killed or imprisoned Iranians, calling for American support for the resistance. On the side facing the Frist Art Museum, there were drawings of Khamenei with text accusing him of murder and terrorism, alongside a portrait of the ousted Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi with text reading “KING OF IRAN.” On the Broadway-facing side of the truck was a memorial to those allegedly imprisoned or killed by the Iranian government, alongside various calls to action for American support in the Iranian resistance. Demonstrators left flowers at the memorial, especially roses and white baby’s breath.
