Prince Reza Pahlavi, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Canadian Civic Leaders to Join More Than 3,000 at Major Iranian-Canadian Gathering in Toronto

TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Iranian opposition leader Prince Reza Pahlavi, Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre, and other political, civic and community leaders will join more than 3,000 Iranian Canadians and their allies at Cyrus the Great II: From a Great Civilization to a Greater Future on Saturday, September 19, at Meridian Hall in Toronto.

Organized by the Cyrus the Great Cultural & Humanity Organization, the event will bring together Canadian political and civic leaders, community representatives, international guests and prominent Iranian artists for a major gathering focused on Iran’s heritage, human rights, freedom and future. Several sitting Members of Parliament, including Conservative and Liberal MPs are expected to attend, with representation from the Prime Minister’s Office also anticipated. Leaders from Jewish and other Canadian communities are also expected to attend.

Cyrus the Great organization has previously led several large-scale rallies in support of the Iranian people, including the Global Day of Action on February 14, 2026, which brought more than 350,000 demonstrators to Toronto and mobilized over one million participants worldwide in solidarity with Iran’s Lion-and-Sun Revolution.

The September 19 program will combine political and civic speeches with cultural programming and live performances by prominent Iranian artists, bringing thousands together around human rights, freedom, human dignity, national unity, and a free, democratic, and prosperous future for Iran.

Dr. Alan Bostakian, spokesperson for the organization, said: "The event takes its name from Cyrus the Great, the ancient Persian king whose legacy has long been associated with tolerance, human dignity and respect for religious and cultural diversity."

This year’s gathering takes place at a critical moment for Iran and the region, amid continuing conflict and heightened geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran. The event offers journalists a unique opportunity to hear directly from Iranian-Canadian community leaders and Iranians living in exile about their perspectives on the current crisis and their aspirations for a peaceful, democratic future for Iran.

EVENT DETAILS
WHAT: Cyrus the Great II - From a Great Civilization to a Greater Future

WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
Program begins at 2:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Meridian Hall 1 Front Street East, Toronto, ON M5E 1B2

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Media attending Cyrus the Great II will have opportunities to:
● Cover remarks and appearances by Prince Reza Pahlavi, Pierre Poilievre, and other political and civic leaders
● Interview event organizers, community leaders, artists, and selected guests
● Speak with Iranian Canadians about Iran’s future, human rights, freedom, and the significance of the community’s continued mobilization
● Access a live online broadcast of the main program, speeches and cultural performances for media coverage.

MEDIA INQUIRIES & ATTENDANCE
Media representatives planning to attend the event or seeking interviews are encouraged to contact the media team in advance. Camera access inside the main event hall is limited and subject to prior approval by the media team. Interviews and filming may be conducted in designated areas outside the main hall. A live online broadcast of the program will also be available to the media.

For accreditation, interview requests, live broadcast access, or other event-day arrangements,
please contact the media representatives listed below.

MEDIA CONTACT
Peyman Khajehhassani
Media Coordinator, Event-Day Logistics and On-Site Contact
info@cyrusthegreat.ca | 647-674-7275

Dr. Alan Bostakian
Event and Organization Spokesperson
info@cyrusthegreat.ca | (647) 558-3048